DavidStClair2

* The information contained within this discussion is based upon information from the Group Product Manager from Microsoft, various Internet media associations and a few MSN Groups. The perception of the future of MSN Groups is only the author's interpretation of what has been presented so far. You are free to have your own thoughts and all feedback is welcomed. *

Within the last few days, we have heard about MSN Groups ceasing to exist effective February 21, 2009 and that they will offering the opportunity to move them to a new Microsoft partner by the name of "Multiply".

Apparently next week or soon thereafter there will be a way to migrate your group to Multiply. At that time, MSN Groups will most likely make a statement on the GROUP HOME Page. There will be no rush to switch your group over as you will have about 4 months to do the switch.

You could make a dummy group in the next few days and migrate that group over to see if it is worthwhile. Check out a few other sources for moving your groups to, however, DON'T PANIC, yet. . . wait it out until the OFFICIAL WORD is given on the HOME page.

I know that I have only one group that I might migrate over if all of this actually happens but I am not going to get into a panic, YET

Some may state that these are the words of Chicken Little but I assure you, I am only passing on this information and recommend that you keep current your backups of all custom pages in your group and have a few other suggestions as well. I would also suggest that the managers create a new passport and include that email prominently within your groups so that members may have it in the event of a groups closure or the transference of MSN Groups to another source.

Sxxxxy©

I suggest you all go to multiply.com and register for a personal account so you will be able to join us on DSC2 when we migrate the group...

Here are some FAQs copied from the managers site...

When can I start migrating my Groups over to Multiply?

You can start migrating your Groups over on Tuesday, October 21, 2008. MSN will be posting more information within MSN Groups, and emailing users to inform them of the upcoming changes.

Can I migrate my Group before then?

Not really a good idea. If you try to migrate before the date, then you will tie up your Group name, and you will not be able to migrate using that name. However, you can sign up now so that your Groups will be among the first to be migrated. http://multiply.com/msngroupimport

Will I be able to keep the same nickname as I've been using on MSN Groups at Multiply?

Only if it isn't being used by someone else already.

Can anyone migrate a Group to Multiply?

Only Group Managers will be able to migrate their groups over to Multiply. It is suggested for Groups where the manager has been absent for a large period of time to create a new Group to migrate over.

Do I have to keep the same name for my Group if I migrate it over?

You may change your Group name when you are migrating it over. You may need to change your Group name if it has been taken by someone else already.

Should I back up my Group before I migrate it?

It's always a good idea to have a current back up of your Group. That way if there are any glitches that occur as you are migrating your group, you will be able to re-create the lost information.

One more suggestion that occured to me... I copied the names of all the msn groups I belong to now and pasted them in a folder on my desktop.. that way, when the groups do close, you will know the names of the groups you belong to now!

I will post more as information becomes available!

Please go make an account on multiply.com now so the transition is smooth and you can join us there after the migration! I would hate to lose any of you!

Hugs...

~eerie

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
DavidStClair2	[email protected]