What Is Happening Today On Gather - Thursday July 17 2008

 I know that I have been telling you that the new upgrade was going to be this week but I think it will be next week. This is not official but from what I can tell, the upgade will not take place this week.

I am sorry this is so short but I really do not feel well and havent for a few days. I will continue with the spotlight on Friday. Remember you can recommend people and groups for the spotlight

YOU COULD WIN A FREE CHILDRENS BOOK

Douglas Quinn  has written a review of the children's book "Crash!" by Mayra Calvani. Each person commenting on this book review will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of the book. With the permission of the author, Mayra Calvani, Douglas Quinn will ship free his review copy to the winner.   You can read this review here.

TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO COMMENT AND WIN A FREE BOOK

Christine M. Team Gather  has published an article titled "Detox With a Free Book and Write a Review!"

Would you like a copy of Super Cleanse by Adina Niemerow? Comment in Christine's article and tell us why you need to detox? Ten lucky members will receive a copy of her book and be asked to write a review! After you've read it, tell us how it worked for you and which recipes you liked best! Please comment by Tuesday, July 15^th to be considered.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER SOUNDTRACK

Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team  has published an article titled "What's Your Summer Soundtrack? Points Giveaway. "

If you could put together your own summer soundtrack, what would be the opening song? By leaving your comment in Stefanie's article by July 27^th, you'll be placed in a drawing to receive 500 Gather points. Stay tuned at the end of July. The Gather Editorial team will review your choices and select 12 songs for the ultimate Gather summer soundtrack.

 DO YOU WANT 500 FREE POINTS?

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. Someone will be chosen everyday. Cool Huh?  Every day between now and July 31st Gather will randomly select one member to receive 500 Gather points!
Click here for details.

HAVE YOU JOINED THE RELAX GROUP YET?

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.

Don't Forget about the new changes - Coming Your Way Soon

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

Click here to read Sneak Peek at Gather's Redesign - Part 2

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.

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.