It looks as though Microsoft is dancing around the fact that they need a forum – a place where people can go to post their tips and questions for anything Microsoft related whether it be Windows or the Zune. They just relaunched Windowslive.com as a community site which we see as a step in the right direction, but they aren’t quite there yet. Speaking to Read Write Web, the Windows Live senior marketing manager Marty Collins explained that their goal behind the redesign was “to better explain to users how they can use these services together, as well as fostering an active user community.
Microsoft is also currently in the process of rolling out Windows Live Clubhouse. The clubhouse, currently available by invite only, is a forum of sorts for Windows Live users. When we first saw and read about it, it reminded us of a more abstract forum. People can post help and tips about Windows Live products, but it’s not quite as organized and open as it should be.
Here’s how the Clubhouse will work (from what we understand). Someone can post something “Live” related on their Live Spaces account and tag it with “Clubhouse” followed by the name of at least one Live application that they wrote about. Those posts will then appear for others to read and rate. The stories rated the highest whether it be a how-to tip or a story about using a Live product will then be featured on WindowsLive.com. Authors receive “club points” for contributing.
Now getting back to the idea of Microsoft introducing a forum, we think it would help them out tremendously. Like we said, the Clubhouse is a forum of sorts, but it doesn’t allow for open communication as much as a typical forum would. They’d certainly have to spend a good amount of time designing a forum, and then hire a team of people to moderate it, but think about all of the questions people have regarding Vista that could very simply be asked and answered in a Microsoft forum. They have so many different products and services, and each could have it’s own dedicated section.
Should Microsoft just create a forum?
I think they should. Just a few days ago I had like 2 different Windows XP questions and I tried to find a Microsoft support forum. I know they have some kind of support forum where members answer each other’s questions but I can’t find it anymore. Good thing CyberNet has a forum though.
I think it would be a good idea. I am sure that many of us have questions but may not be in a position to be able to ask directly of Microsoft! A forum for all MS operating systems, services and applications would be a very welcome addition for those who are ‘disadvantaged’. However, I think it would be a mammoth task for MS to set up. It would be worth it for them, though, as they would get a lot more feedback on their products than they do now.
The problem with Microsoft’s communication as it currently stands is that they do have a few support forums- one I can think of is the new Green Button Forum they recently acquired — but they’re not all centrally located. If users have a hard time finding them, that’s definitely a problem!
Exactly! It would be a HUGE task, but if they did it right, boy oh boy would it be beneficial for both them and the users of their products and services.
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Well, yes and no. What you pointed to is definitely a forum-like site. I’ve actually used that before, but the community involvement isn’t as good as it should be considering Microsoft’s size.
The problem is that Microsoft has too many of these types of sites laying around. They have user groups, forums, newsgroups, and more:
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They need to bring it all together into one cohesive solution. All of these separate areas are confusing to consumers, and they are the ones who are the most likely to be out looking for help.