In partnerships meant to give companies access to the social-networking community, several brand names have signed ad deals with Gather.com, according to Promo Magazine.
Expedia.com, Starbucks and Charles Schwab are among those that have created communities among Gather users as they seek to more actively engage online users in their brand experiences. Starbucks, for instance, uses its community to highlight a book now available at its coffee houses.

Gather's demographics are older and well off, with a median age of 42 and average household income of $50,000. Most are college-educated.