Newbie says: problem joining shapes, gradient question

Question

I'm new to Illustrator, and am trying to make a logo.  I created the logo using lines and circles.  I've been able to join all the segments for the various letters without much problem (by grouping then joining), but trying to make my "k" isn't going so well.  When I try to join the shapes, a line forms under the "k", and I can't figure out why.  Here's a comparison picture (other letters are touching on either side of the "k" intentionally):
Once I get this figured out, my objective is to use a gradient fill across the entire logo.  The tutorial I'm using says to use Path > Outline Stroke.  I can get gradients to work fine for each individual letter, but how do I get the gradient to work (smoothly) across the entire logo?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Xax,
Once I get this figured out, my objective is to use a gradient fill across the entire logo.  The tutorial I'm using says to use Path > Outline Stroke.  I can get gradients to work fine for each individual letter, but how do I get the gradient to work (smoothly) across the entire logo?
You may select everything, Object>Compound Path Make, and then apply the gradient.
It seems that you have joined the lower parts of the k, and I believe you can just use the Scissors Tool on both the lower corners and delete the horizontal path in between: it looks like Miter Joins, not Butt Caps meeting, as it would be if there were a separate independent horizontal path at the bottom.