I got this article from the Washington Post;

 

Jason KincaidTechCrunch.com
Wednesday, October 15, 2008; 3:59 PM

We've received confirmation that Microsoft is handing over the reins to its MSN Groups property to the social network Multiply. Microsoft is planning to release a new service called Windows Live Groups in November, and apparently doesn't want to compete with itself. Oddly enough, Microsoft has chosen not to allow groups to transition between the two services, and instead is going to offer a migration tool that will allow users to take groups over to Multiply, which currently bills itself as the world's 8th largest social network.

The rumor was originally reported earlier today after a series of emails were posted to a MSN Discussion newsgroup, and has since been confirmed by both Multiply and Microsoft through a blog post.

Here's Microsoft's explanation for the shutdown:

The natural question to ask in this situation is why we are closing MSN Groups. It is our goal to provide our customers with the most current and user friendly technology available today. We made the difficult decision to close the MSN Groups service as part of an overall investment in updating and re-aligning our online services with Windows Live. In the long term we believe that closing the service is the best way to continue to offer innovative, best of breed services that help you stay in touch with the people you care about. It?s very important to us that you keep the data you created using MSN Groups and that is why we have partnered with Multiply, so you can keep your group going into the future despite the closure of MSN Groups.

The Microsoft post also states that users will have until February 21, 2009 to migrate their groups over to Multiply, after which point the site will cease to exist.

This just seems weird - why would Microsoft abandon a sizable (but dwindling) chunk of users to an entirely unrelated social network? It's nice that they aren't leaving their users out in the cold, but why not just cut off new signups to MSN Groups and allow the legacy users to continue on in peace? Microsoft may appear to have made the gesture in good faith, but it's likely that the company is hoping users will scoff at the idea of having to migrate, and just sign up on the new Live service when it launches.

Whatever Microsoft's intentions, Multiply is sure to be happy with the deal, as it has just been handed millions of new users (we're trying to contact Microsoft for the exact number).

Just thought you may want to see this.

huggs

CandleWillow

I agree with Southernsmiley, it looks more like a Myspace website than an actual message board area with chat capabilities.  I don't really suggest to migrate over to that. 

 

I am going to also look at other host options to see if I can find a place suited to us and what we like.  I prefer simplicity over technical fancy stuff, although I am no stranger to any of it.  I liked MSN because I felt everything I wanted was right there for me to see - I didn't really have to search around to find stuff.  Things were labeled with obvious tags.

 

If I find anything I'll post it here for Lou.  At least we have some time.

 

DeniseNH

 

Betcha it has to do with money.  If they are creating a new format - it would seem logical that they would just transition the present MSN Groups to the new format.  But . . . with my opinion of Bill Gates, 'just another money grubbing, power seeking' evil man - I could do a whole dissertation on his naming Microsofts word processing 'WORD.'  'In the beginning was the word.'  He who controls language and dissemination of thought and ideas . . . . controls thinking and mindset. 

 

Enough of that - but, the demise of Groups and changeover - in a WORD - MONEY.

 

Hugs 'n stuff

 

Celt

Hi Learning,

 

I just took a quick look at www.yuku.com.  It is better than some of the other sites.  It really does have the capacity for some nice graphics, various forums, as well as a chat room.  It just might be the solution.  I hope that Lou and Michelle will take a look.  I would certainly move with them.

 

searching