Purpose 

This writeup covers becoming a Hub member.  While some actions and content do not require membership, many useful features and high-value articles are reserved for Hub members.  Becoming a member requires a simple registration and verification process.

Methodology 

First, locate the "Sign Up" or "Join" option.  In some Hubs this will appear as a link, in others it will appear as a button.  Either way, it will usually be located in the upper-right hand corner of the screen, as shown in these two examples:

Clicking the Sign Up button or Join link brings you to the registration page.

Next, on the registration page provide your contact information and any personal details you feel comfortable supplying.  A few pointers:

• Some fields act as confirmation for data already supplied, e.g., your e-mail address and password.  The information in the original field must exactly match the confirmation field or you will be asked to retype.  Confirm fields have a label beginning with the word "Confirm", as shown on this "E-mail" field:

• Some fields are optional.  The field label will indicate when you can omit a field, as shown on this "Job Title" field:  

• Because these Collaboration Hubs operate in a professional environment, it's recommended that you include as much personal and corporate information as you can.  You will be representing both yourself and your employer so transparency is beneficial.
• Lastly, note that your e-mail address and password will never be shared by the Hub.

Next, you should consider each element of the "Important Notices" section.  This usually includes (1) reading Hub's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and (2) making sure your e-mail reader has the Hub's web address in its Junk E-mail Safe List.  After doing so, you must check the I acknowledge reviewing... box, thereby accepting these terms.  Once checked, a Sign Up button will appear so you can complete the process, as shown below:

Verification

Most Hubs verify your identity by sending an e-mail to the address you supplied when registering.  This e-mail contains a link you must click before you are considered a Hub member.

The e-mail will look similar to the one shown below.  The link you must click is bordered here in red:

(Click image to enlarge)