When I heard about this freebie from Microsoft, I couldn't believe it! Microsoft will offer its Office programs for FREE. (Reread it, it's true). Starting June 15, 2010, mark it on your calendar because MS will have its products available ONLINE on that date. What does it mean? It means that Google Docs, where you can store your documents for free, has been a bigger success than anyone expected. Google, which is trying to become the "big man on campus" by taking on more and more features that it perceives as most desired by Internet users, has given Microsoft a swift kick in the wallet. What did Microsoft do? Well, they decided to put their programs on the Internet. This means you won't be downloading software, you'll be using it online. If you have a subscription anywhere in the world, you know that subscriptions have their benefits. If you are a member of a discount club, you can go there to get 2 items and spend $100. (You probably know who that is - - I won't mention names, but the initials are Costco.) If you are a member of a fraternal order, you can enjoy the friendship of like-minded people. The additional benefits for AnnTheGran visitors are so numerous that I will summarize some of them here. Even if you've been a member for a long time, sometimes we need to be reminded to take advantage of what's available to us. To begin, I would like to explain the difference between signing up for the site and signing up for AnnTheGran. club. Signing up to the site is free and only takes a few moments. The site and has clear and concise policies regarding your information. The policy states that your information will not be sold or rented to other groups. Read this if… half of the paper… I used my accounting system and determined the actual cost per square foot. Here are my results: Stabilizer type/per square foot: ATG Other sellers Hook-and-loop medium $1,741 $2,666 Hook-and-loop medium adhesive $4,909 $10,472 Water-soluble $3,709 $10,472 I also found two sites that have annual fees, one is $80 and the other is $59. Both sites give you as many “free designs” as you want. I don't want to discourage your choice, but make sure what you get for your money. Also, I encourage you to check out The Avid Embroiderer's (me) blog which talks about the quality of the designs. If you are not yet a member of the Club, try it. Works Citedannthegran.com, allaboutblanks.com, artisticthreads.com, designbysick.com