Date:         Tue, 28 Mar 2000 11:57:17 -0800
Reply-To:     Scott Semyan <scottse@MICROSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scott Semyan <scottse@MICROSOFT.COM>
Subject:      MSN Community Idea

I have an idea that I want to bounce off of the list members: What about
using MSN Web communities as a place to exchange photos, do chats, record
reoccurring topics, etc?

It would be fun for people to be able to post photos of their vans, their
Suburu engines, etc. Another feature that would be cool is a chat room. We
could have regular scheduled discussions: for example engine retrofit
questions at 8pm on wed. nights. Also, common topics keep getting brought up
(2nd battery, head gaskets) and it would be great to have a place to record
them without 1) having to search the list archives, or 2) someone having to
record everyone's thoughts on the subjects and creating a web page or 3)
having the topic come up every month.

Wouldn't it be cool if something like this existed where someone else kept
the servers up, added memory when needed, did backups, etc. Well, it does. I
have been using MSN web communities for a site for my family and it is
pretty cool. It has all of these feature plus some other cool stuff like
recommendation lists and the ability to add custom pages.

Before we get to the demo, a few disclaimers:

1)      I am NOT trying to replace the current list. I have been a member on
and off for years and made the decision to purchase a Vanagon based on the
high quality of information I have found on this list. I am only trying to
create an area where we can share photos, chat and carry on more permanent
discussions on topics that always come up.
2)      I am NOT trying to replace Vanagon.com. I have used that site
extensively for years. However, I doubt Ron wants all of us uploading our
photos on to his hard drive. Vanagon.com is and will remain the premier
source of information for Vanagons. The community page would be seen as an
extension off of Vanagon.com.
3)      Yes I work for MS, yes MSN is part of MS, and no this is not a plot
to take over the world. If someone has another place where we could set up a
better community, I am all for it. I am simply familiar with the MSN UI
having used it before, and I like the look and feel of the site.

Almost ready for the demo, but:
To access this site you will need a passport ID. If you use Hotmail you are
already familiar with this. This is an ID that will work across all MSN
sites. Signing up is not a big deal but you will need a passport to view
this community. You will get to create one (if needed) when you go to the
demo site.

Got all that? Now go to:

http://communities.msn.com/Vanagon <http://communities.msn.com/Vanagon>

Add yourself as a member, take a look at the site, post a photo, create a
new conversation, recommend a good book, exercise the UI, play with the chat
feature (although nobody may be in there), and just kick the tires in
general. If people decide that this is a "good thing" and may be useful, I
will spend some time cleaning up the UI and setting up some standard photo
albums, etc.

Scott Semyan
'85 Westie