If you sign into Gather, have you noticed? Gather ignored 'best practices' of industry. They changed how we log in. Not much looks different does it?
Well take a look at this:

They changed it so this option is automatically chosen. I didn't take notice to this until I had closed an internet window and continued to do something else...only to come back to the internet later, and still be logged in.
If you access Gather on a shared computer, or if your computer can be accessed by others, you must now UNCHECK this option each time you sign in, or remember to sign out after each session. Should you forget, other computer users would have access to your account on Gather, regardless of you shutting down the computer or not. You will still be signed in.
Millions of other sites that require a log in make this feature an option you must select. Gather is different. They now make it an option you must deselect everytime.
If you view Gather on a public computer without unchecking it, and without signing out afterwards, all your private account information is free for the taking from anyone else who uses that computer.
Your name, your address, your points, password, email and private articles can all be accessed, stolen, and changed if you don't uncheck that option before you log in, or if you perhaps forget to sign out before you close that window.
Why weren't we notified???


Comments: 70
I never noticed that..............
I better go check all of my characters accounts then...........
That should keep you busy for a week or two.
but I'm a lot quicker than that honey..............
keep on rockin' baby................
old lady in a rocking chair,,,,
keep on rockin'...............hahahaha..................
Therefore, my primary concern is not the switch in default status, but the fact that MEMBERS WERE NOT INFORMED OF THE CHANGE.
This demonstrates complete disregard for member privacy and is incredibly irresponsible.
It is also interesting to note that Gather simply made this unannounced change to help cover over the problems they have in their publishing infrastructure.
The air grew cold and seemed to dour the flame.
The fire died, the music faded, filled with fear of death we waited,
For now we knew some evil was to blame.
'Twould ruin my reputation, I'm sure.
I do understand the need to be concerned about how Randee will keep all his/her (which is it today?) embarrassing medical conditions secret. That is the purpose of alters, right?
Just think how horrible it would be if you forgot to sign out after banking.
THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!
Live dangerously. Join Gather.
They could steal the answers to all those hard games and win every time.
If a person is on a public computer, then, yes they have to be careful.
I have a number - actually, dozens of sites that I go to, as well as hundreds of email addresses in my outside email - and there are a number of sites that I use that have the
DEFAULT as KEEP SIGNED IN.
People always need to READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously, people need to READ
Since you're here, can you answer my question about the people who set their computers up to sign them in and out? I heard you were the wizard behind that program, and apologize if there is another wizard using your name out there.
I guess I am asking for too much.
I always stay signed in at home, but when I access Gather at school, obviously, since i am on a shared computer staying signed in isn't a smart idea. I'm glad Kevin pointed this out that way I know to pay attention when I log in at school.
Sandy Knauer, Nov 23, 2008, 1:11am EST
If the theft of all "S"es and commas wasn't enough to make me run screaming into the night, what if -- suddenly and without warning -- someone came in and edited all my articles and comments after me to include extra exclamation points? What if they painted me as the sort of person who said "LOL!", "Thanks for sharing!" or "Great Shot!" with regularity?!
Oh, wait. They'd be getting me some of those fractional and elusive Gather Points! Now, I am torn about my opinion...
Just a thought.
Dang.
heh. c'mon now, heather. youve been here long enuf to know better.
As far as I'm concerned, this insult to public order threatens the very fabric of our society. I plan to start looting as soon as I find someone to help me carry an enormous plasma TV.
That is true Lori. . . if they stopped being hateful they'd lose the one dimension of personality they have :0)
With last week’s minor upgrade, Gather introduced a new default setting when signing into the site. When you enter your username and password, the “Keep me signed in” box is now checked by default. Gather made this change as a way of providing members with better site interaction, which includes a smoother sharing experience. However, we realize this change should have been communicated with our “Site Improvement” post outlining the upgrade changes. This was an oversight on our part, and we apologize for any concerns or issues it caused.
Members still have the option to not stay signed in. Just uncheck the box when logging in. Members who share a computer or who use a computer in a public place should make sure they uncheck the “Keep me signed in” box and always sign out, even if they don’t check the box, when finished their sessions on Gather. This will prevent someone else who uses the same computer and browser from visiting a site you opted to have “remember” you and gain access to your Gather account information. This warning holds true for any site you visit on a “public” computer that requires a username and password.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Member Support team.
I'll be available after I my epsom salt soak at 10.
Over something so small.
POINTS NATION