I'm actually leaning to keeping both boards running. The message board format board will be for our regular use and posting in a real-time forum. It will operate like the existing MSN BRK Board. The blog format board I will leave open as a case study board...perhaps people who want to post ideas specifically on Fairfax or Berkshire. As well as, if and when Corner Market Capital distributes a scholarship, we will use that board for application processing. Perhaps, potential applicants can submit specific case studies or something and post it on there. But that will be some time off. Both boards will remain completely free.
I will also be archiving many of the posts on the MSN BRK Board between now and closure. So, we will retain many of the quality posts for posterity and reflection. Below you will find MSN's message they sent out today.
Dear MSN Groups Customer,
As a valued MSN Groups or MSN Communities Web Folders customer, we want to notify you that the MSN Groups service will close on February 21, 2009 and you will have the opportunity to move your group to our new partner service, Multiply. We understand the importance of keeping your group together, so we partnered with Multiply to create a migration process that moves your group to their service to preserve your online community and its history. Read on to find out about how to kick off the automatic migration of your group to Multiply.
We realise this may be unexpected, so before presenting your options we want to briefly share why we've made this decision.
Why?
Because we are dedicated to providing our customers with the most current and user friendly technology available today we made the difficult decision to close the MSN Groups service. This decision is part of an overall investment to update and re-align 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 and effective services that help you stay in touch with the people you care about. We plan to launch a new Groups service in the coming weeks, but unlike MSN Groups, Windows Live Groups will focus on offering a place for small groups to collaborate. Multiply is available now, making it your best option today for continuing to share and communicate together online.
Options for moving your group to a new service
We've listed some options and resources below to help you decide what to do with your group.
- Option 1: Automatically move your group and its data. We have established a partnership with Multiply, an online group and media sharing service so our users can choose to migrate their group to Multiply's service. Choosing this option is free and easy to use: Multiply will move the Group's content on your behalf and invite members to re-join your group in its new location. To begin the migration click here.
- Option 2: Start again on another service. You can start from scratch and create your group on a different service but we recommend having your Group moved automatically by Multiply. This will enable your Group to transition easily and continue to enjoy the community you have created.
- Option 3: Start again on Windows Live Groups. To further expand our mix of communications and sharing services, Windows Live will launch a new service this autumn, Windows Live Groups. We plan to launch Windows Live Groups to the public in the coming weeks as a service that helps small groups or clubs collaborate online.
Options for MSN Communities Web Folders users
If you use save files to the MSN Communities web folders (also known as "My Web Sites on MSN" or the web folder "My Groups"), these services are part of MSN Groups and will therefore will also be closed on February 21, 2009. We recommend that if you store files online using MSN Communities web folders that you back up these files locally, then upload them to another online storage service such as Windows Live SkyDrive. For more details on how to find and move files saved to your web folders, visit the MSN Groups Resource Center.
Your Next Steps
We have sent this letter to each MSN Groups user, whether member or manager. If you are:
- A member or user of MSN Groups: Check with your group manager to determine whether they plan to migrate the group.
- A manager: Visit the MSN Groups Resource Center to learn more about your options and consider soliciting feedback from your group members about what they would prefer to do, when and how. The Resource Center also provides a sample splash page you can use to notify your members that the group will move. If you're ready to move the group now, click here.
What to Expect between now and the closing date
Between today and February 21, 2009 the MSN Groups service will remain the same as it is now. We will remove the option to add more storage to your group but other features will remain until the service is shut down and you can use it the same way you do today until the date of closure.
Where can I learn more?
You probably have more questions, and that's why we created a website to address them. Please visit the MSN Groups Resource Center at any time for the most up to date answers to common questions, information about migrating your group to Multiply, contact information for our support staff, and important dates.
Our support staff are equipped to answer your questions and guide you through issues that may arise as you decide what to do with your group. They are ready to help so don't hesitate to contact them at MSN Groups Customer Support with your questions.
We thank you for using our services and regret any inconvenience this may cause.
MSN Groups, Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft respects your privacy. To learn more, please read our online Privacy Statement. Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Thanks for your patience. Cheers!
All I ask for is patience, understanding and that you all treat one another with respect. Thanks and I look forward to another seven years of this! Cheers! 
Cheers!