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Starbucks gathering spot

By mwelch October 5, 06 11:41 AM

Source: Online Media Daily

gatherlogo.jpg

The Starbucks book club just launched a promotion on Gather.com promoting Mitch Albom's new book "For One More Day." Albom is the author of "The Five People you Meet in Heaven" and "Tuesdays with Morrie." Boston-based Gather.com launched last year and has been gaining traction in the publishing and reading community. CEO Tom Gerace says they've been signing up about 500 members a day in recent months.

starbucksbook.jpgI used to work with Carl Rosendorf, now Gather's President and COO back when we were founding Cybersmith (bonus points if you remember our stores in Harvard Square or Faneuil Hall). I talked to Carl this morning about Gather and he calls it a "social network for grown-ups." All content is available even if you're not a member and they tend to attract engaged and informed (read bookish, writerly and educated) 30-60 year-olds. Publishers and authors are taking notice. Amazon is hosting a short-form writing contest on Gather and Starbucks is queuing up with its book club.

As an aside, Carl and I feel a bit of a connection with Mitch Albom. During the time that Mitch Albom was having Tuesdays with Morrie (Schwartz) we were starting up Cybersmith. And one of our store managers was Jonathan Schwartz, his son. We've since lost touch with Jonathan but if anyone knows how to reach him - tell him Carl and I say hello.

Related:
Starbucks: Coffee, music, and now books
Starbucks Salon

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