Windows Live Messenger: IM-ing for a Cause
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 03. 8.07
Because we use Windows Live Messenger, formerly called MSN Messenger, we were thrilled when we read the news about how we can help “spread the word.” Every time we have a conversation with the free IM service, MSN will donate a portion of its advertising revenues to our non-profit of choice (there are eight to choose from). From what we’ve read on their website, it’s hard to determine how much a portion is but they do state that there isn’t a cap on how much an organization will receive. “The sky’s the limit.” Via ::Worsted Witch ::I’M from MSN
This seems like a great idea, but I'm not thrilled to see it coming from a company like Microsoft. I'd be much more interested if Microsoft simultaneously stated that they'd be switching their Redmond Campus to renewable energy, or their entire Mountain View CA campus to renewables. (Mountain View recently received an upgrade last year: http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=44765 )
Additionally, I already have an IM client that lets me use as many different IM protocols as I can find (Adium [www.adiumx.com] - an off shoot of the Libgaim project [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaim] - both open source), and it is totally ad free. As much as I like to support the causes that I do, I don't believe in letting companies who do not necessarily care about those causes advertise to raise money for them. If there were someway to guarantee that the ads I would see would be from companies who share my beliefs, it might become more enticing.
"This seems like a great idea, but I'm not thrilled to see it coming from a company like Microsoft. "
Hopefully others will follow.
@Mike:
Do you expect every company in the world to be completely eco-friendly? At least they are doing something good. There's no need to critizize Microsoft, because nobody really has to pay a price in this initiative. As nice as it is to know what IM service you use, it's no need to throw hate at Microsoft for such a good thing.
Also for TreeHugger, there are 9 organizations to choose from (http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/Causes/)
Also, on LiveSide, a Windows Live fansite, they said that Microsoft will at least give $100,000 to each organization, regardless of the cash generated from the "I'm" users (http://liveside.net/blogs/main/archive/2007/03/01/i-m-making-a-difference.aspx). That means Microsoft is donating $900,000 + more. Is that enough for you guys? I think this is awesome. It's great that TreeHugger reported this. I wish other companies could also follow the same suit.
If it sounds like green-wash, looks like green-wash, and smells like green-wash...
I agree with the above comment. Microsoft is a multi-BILLION-dollar company. This move is too little too late. Even more, there are many other areas that Microsoft could have used this money for that would have led to larger changes - greening their campuses, reducing Vista packaging, enhancing power regulation in their software and hardware.
Sure, anything's a nice step.. but come on. This is just another "I'm green too!" move by the largest software company on the planet. I would hope to see more leadership.
I applaud this move by Microsoft. Microsoft does way more than most other billion dollar companies. That said, I think they can and should do more..in promoting renewables.
Someone stated that they wish Microsoft would do something about Vista packaging size. Actually for the first time they are offering their new OS as a download. So I can't fault them for offering consumers choice.
Microsoft is one of the largest charity donors there is. Power regulation in windows software is fine, people just need to learn how to use it.