Microsoft has renamed its Fremont project to “Expo” and have put up a landing page, complete with a request for email once it launches. They have also included a screenshot:
The Expo team, led by Garry Wiseman, has also posted information about the service, which will be tightly integrated with MSN Messenger and MSN Spaces. Listings will be free:
What it is
An online marketplace and social networking site
What it gives you
• Free ads that are easy to post
• Browse through a wide range of categories ranging from merchandise,
events, personals and services
• Keep your dealings within a trusted network like your MSN Messenger Buddies , friends or co-workers; or open them up to anyone
• Find listings just in your area, nationwide or anywhere in between
• Add your listings to your MSN Space with one easy click
• Get detailed maps and directions for things like garage sales, homes for sale or concerts
• Communicate with people via MSN Messenger right from Expo’s site
See all
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The google ads are looking horrible! Please try to use something more aesthetic and meaningful if you can. I am sure a lot of people will buy in if you put spots for sale. Heck! they are even ready to buy spots in stupid gimmicks like 1000tags.
Chunni - Thanks. I agree. I’m just messing around and trying new stuff. I don’t think it will last the weekend, to be honest.
Do they have an API?
Social Networking Classifieds is a huge opportunity and a very underdeveloped space. Myspace is getting into the act but I would like to see one of the new players in the space attack this opportunity.
http://btwohig.wordpress.com/2005/12/14/11/
Hey Michael, are any of the new classifieds pages attempting this?
The social element and “trusted groups” concept is definitely a direction that I wanted to take BlockRocker in - based not on MS Fremont/Expo, but on their much earlier social-networking predeccessor, FreeCycle.
If you’re familiar with Freecycle, you’ll know that its a fragmented, decentralized, weirdly political means of creating local groups within which free goods are recycled. Its been my intention from the get go to offer group building capability of this type on BR, for both disenfranchised freecyclers, and anyone else that wants to create a group of any kind. Tagging, the “Show Free Only” search option, and the customized RSS feeds are the first components. MS has twigged to the appeal of this model too, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they implement.
I get the sense that Expo is a rare example of Microsoft doing something innovative and making a success of it. I really, really like it.
Re Expo and “free ads” - can anyone explain what this really means for the end user?
I am very intersted in how this will play out when it hits market. The whole Live concept.
Will it be that big of a hit?
When are you guys going to publish the site for usage?I can’t wait to use it.
Raymond.
This thing looks advanced, especially tying classifieds with messenger. Microsoft building community ala Craigslist a big ironi of tech history.
We’re currently shooting the movie’s prequel to explain why all of the living characters are covered in more blood than the zombies in Second Death.
It must be good. I’ve never heard of it!
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