What Is Happening Today On Gather - Thursday July 10 2008

Can you believe it is already Thursday? Where does the time go?  I am really excited about the upcoming changes to gather. Pam has written her first in a series of article and I have added the link below. You will not want to miss her articles. Have a wonderful Thursday.

I goofed, I forget to mention Wednesday was Bridget's Birthday. Happy late birthday Bridget. She published an article titled Today Is My Birthday - you can check it out if you want to wish her happy birthday. Sorry I forgot Bridget.

GATHER IS CHANGING

Pam Johnston  has published the first in a series of articles concerning the upgade. Click here to read Sneak Peek at Gather's Upcoming Redesign - Part One.

Here is  a brief overview of Gather's next major upgrade. Next week, Gather will introduce a site redesign focusing on ease of use and a simplified navigation. These changes will help make the site more user-friendly and intuitive.

Here's a look at some of the features:

• There will be four major tabs at the top of the page instead of a busy toolbar.
  
  
• Page layout will feature two columns instead of three.
• There will be a Universal Search on all content types including people and groups.
• Creating a group will be easier than ever.
• Language across the site will be simplified.
• A simplified sign-up page that will include your icon when you invite friends and family to join you on Gather. When they do join Gather, you will automatically be connected as friends.
• Your my Gather page will become your new Homepage.
• The current editorially driven homepage will be exchanged for dynamically changing landing pages that reflect what's happening and what's popular in the community at any given moment.

They  will  also have a section (small box) on a majority of the landing pages called "Today on Gather" that will be a list of highlights for that day.

Vice President of Member Experience Pam Johnston will be publishing a series of in-depth articles about the site redesign in the days to come, so be sure to stay tuned. Be sure to read the first of these articles now. Just click here.

NEW ICONS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

In May you wore remembrance icons in honor of Memorial Day. In June you waved flag icons to celebrate Independence Day. This month the Support Veterans group is providing you with four new icons to show your support of soldiers and veterans, no matter the occasion. By participating, you could become our daily winner of 500 points. Click here for details.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS DURING JULY

During the month of July  in the Bright Ideas from Bestselling Authors group on Gather, there are two books being featured:

Note to Self  written by Samara O'Shea. 

Keeping a journal is easy. Keeping a life-altering, soul-enlightening journal, however, is not. At its best, journaling can be among the most transformative of experiences, but you can only get there by learning how to express yourself fully and openly. Enter Samara O'Shea.

Selections from O'Shea's own journals demonstrate what a journal should be: a tool to access inner strengths, uncover unknown passions, face uncertain realities, and get to the center of self. To help create an effective journal, O'Shea provides multiple suggestions and exercises.

 The author has published a couple of articles to help the reader better understand her book and style of writing:

The Reluctant Blogger

Take it Personally: On What it's like to Publish Your Journal

Practically Posh is written by Robyn Moreno

Practically Posh is the budget babe's guide to the good life. Filled with thrifty tips and delivered with style and humor, this do-it-yourself handbook is designed for glam girls on the go who want to live large on their little paychecks.

Packed with brilliantly simple advice, Robyn Moreno teaches that it's about more than just finding deals-it's about finding pleasure in your present life. It is about being resourceful-working with what you have, then working what you have. Practically Posh is your bible for living as a bon vivant on a budget.

From how to score a seat at the trendiest restaurant and tips for being arty without being affected, to easy cheats for staying beautiful and advice on how to book your dream vacation now, the book includes anecdotes, sidebars, quotes, quizzes, and gorgeous photos to punctuate the information from Moreno and her team of experts.

The author has written a couple more articles on gather to help the reader get to know her and her writing style:

Martha and Me

Practically Posh at Work

THE FIRST WINNER OF THE FIRST 1000 POINTS HAS BEEN ANOUNCED

Christine M. Team Gather  announced the first recipient of the Relax Points Giveaway. Lois R. will be receiving 1000 points for joining the group! Congratulations  Lois!

Don't forget that you can have a chance to win 1000 points until Aug 31. Free points is just like free money!  Have you joined the Relax group yet? You are going to love this offer. You can win 1000 points. Yep, you heard me right. They are going to be giving away 1000 points each week.  All you have to do is be a member of the Relax group.  Christine M. Team Gather  has written an article with more details in it. Click here to read the article. This group is owned by Westin Hotels & Resorts . So if you want more points, hurry on over and join the group. This promotion will last  will run until August, 31, 2008.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR CLAIRE COOK?

If you haven't posted a question for Claire Cook yet it's your last chance! The author of Summer Blowout and Must Love Dogs, Claire is ready to answer your questions! We've extended the comment period until Friday so post your questions today!

Ask her about her writing style, her characters, where she gets ideas from, anything!! Click here to post your questions and then stay tuned for her answers!

 GATHER SPOTLIGHT

 I have spotlighted individuals in the past  on the Today On Gather Article. Today, I wrote an article and ask  for requests for people who have made a difference in your life on gather. The person who was nominated more times than anyone else was  Fåith βråns⊗n 

Faith was nominated by ♥¸.* Bridget *.¸♥,  and Jill~Sexy Back~ V.,

Jill had this to say about Faith :"These are the people who have laughed with me, cried with me, and everything in between. These are the people who although we've never met in person, I feel like I've known forever. These are the people who I feel like I was meant to meet and become friends with. These are the people who I most look forward to talking to each day."

Faith's latest article is Oregon skies in May

Bridget has this to say: "We talk about everything and have been there for each other through hard times, surgeries and great times as well! It's nice to have them to talk to and know that they are there to help, support me and to listen!"

Congratulations Faith!!!

If you have someone you would like to nominate for the spotlight just go here and follow the directions.

GATHER GROUP SPOTLIGHT

Rainbow Connection - Colorful Competitions  is a group owned by Sherrie H.
Each week, Sherrie will choose a color and ask people to enter original photos, art, photo essays, or poems that best represents that color. A winner will be chosen each week based on beauty, originality and creativity.

Kitty L., recommended the Rainbow Connection. Here is what she had to say about this group "Rainbow Connection is a great one to spotlight. It's fun, creative, and stimulating plus encourages you to SEE things in a different light. She always sticks to the rules, and is always fair and gracious....I couldn't ask for a better group on Gather. "

Rose H also recommended Rainbow Connection. Here is what Rose Had to say "Rainbow Connections is monitored, fun, fosters creativity and there is a wonderful spirit of connectivity not to mention positive vibes among the group members.
Every week a color is announced and only entries that pertain to that color, usually photos, sometimes articles including poetry entries are accepted. Spirited, lively and fun. "

Congratulations Sherrie and Rainbow Connection!!
If you would like to refer a group to be spotlighted go here and follow the directions

TODAY ON GATHER ARTICLE INFORMATION

This article is a place where your opinions are always welcome and you will always find a friend. I have a place reserved just for you. I do read all comments and usually try to acknowledge those comments as well. Keyword being "try". There is always a place reserved just for you in the Gather Community. You need never be alone.

Is there something that you would like to see changed on the "Today On Gather" articles?

Do you know of some exciting activity that is going on in the Gather Community? Please just let me know.

Just let me know by making a comment in the comment section. I will be back to chat with you again each weekday of the week.

Today On Gather article is published each weekday to the group Today On Gather and Gather Essentials: News .

You will find many more updates in past articles.