With the current status of the NNTP bridge, I wouldn't say "hardly notice".
Especially the plain text / HTML switch is annoying. I guess next to all
caps messages, we can now also expect all bold size 72 caps brightly pink
messages.

Next to the fact that the message contains plain lies (Microsoft is
currently not closing down localized newsgroups which are much less used
than the 'general' ones for example) I wonder if it is actually possible to
kill a newsgroup. The structure of NNTP doesn't define a hierarchy. Right
now, most local ISPs offer direct access to these newsgroups. In turn, they
probably connect to a major player like Giganews or Supernews. Pulling the
plug on Microsoft's side will only influence people directly connecting
through Microsoft. And they could easily migrate. Add to that the dozens of
sites already mirroring the groups through a forum
(http://www.tech-archive.net/, http://groups.google.com/,
http://www.vistaheads.com/forums/, http://www.officefrustration.com/, ...)
and I doubt it will be an easy takedown.

Yves

"Doug Robbins - Word MVP" wrote in message
...
Using the NNTP Bridge, as referred to in the article, to access the forums
from Outlook Express, Windows Mail or Windows Live Mail, you would hardly
notice the fact that you were not accessing an NNTP newsgroup.

The real issue is the forums that have been nominated as the replacement
in the case of some newsgroups.

--
Hope this helps.

Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my
services on a paid consulting basis.

Doug Robbins - Word MVP, originally posted via msnews.microsoft.com

"Dave Symes" wrote in message
...
In article ,
wrote:

What is Happening? This message is to inform you that Microsoft will
soon begin discontinuing newsgroups and transitioning users to Microsoft
forums.

Grief... Forums are appalling and tedious places, and I only go there as
a
very last resort, and from my experience over many years, not an
evolution
but the opposite.

Dave

--

Dave Triffid