Thank you to the 91 of you who filled out our user survey. The feedback you shared will help shape our future. We look forward to diving into the results and letting you know what we learned and how we plan to use the insights. 

Today, I want to share a few themes from the question: In what way(s) is Gather most useful to you?

Many of you told us that Gather helps turn a solo, sometimes lonely job into a collaborative endeavor. 

“Knowing other people interested in audience engagement has been hugely helpful. I work remote and am the only person in engagement, so this community is invaluable."

“I'm isolated as a both a startup journalist and a novice engagement practitioner. It's really helpful to have someone to turn to when I have broad or green questions to ask.”

“It feels like a support group and gives me ideas. I'm also part of an accountability group of four people who talk off Gather once a month.”

Some folks wrote about how Gather helps them at the beginning of their engagement journeys ...

“Gather helps me gain an awareness about what's going on in a field I hope to be a part of and see what steps I might take to attain experience in engagement.”

... and others wrote from a position of experience (and maybe hiring?).

“Keeping my ear out for leaders in the space and great work in the space.”

“Editorial inspiration and guidance as one of the more knowledgeable members of my team.”

You clearly help keep each other up to date on trends and best practices. 

“Networking with others throughout the industry, keeping up to date on industry trends, and learning about issues facing organizations of all sizes, demographics and locations.”

“Information! There's so much out there, but it's a trusted space where I know if someone is talking it there, it's important.”

Some of you feel like Gather plays a key role in an important evolution in journalism.

“Gather is my favorite and most valuable community in my life right now. I feel appreciated, inspired and part of something bigger than myself.”

“It's useful in so many ways but the most important to me is the sense of connection with others and the awareness of the many cool projects and successes happening in so many communities. Gather helps me feel part of a movement.”

I’ll repeat that one, just for emphasis: “Gather helps me feel part of a movement.” The credit for that goes to all of you. Thank you. 

Watch this space for more insights (not just pats on the back!) from the user survey. And while we’ve stopped seeking survey responses, we welcome your feedback anytime. Does what you see here match your experience? If not, how could Gather serve you better? Contact me anytime.

— Joy Mayer, Gather community manager, joy.m.mayer@gmail.com