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System: The following 3 messages were spliced on to this thread from: http://www.webmasterworld.com/directories/3164430.htm [webmasterworld.com] by engine - 4:40 pm on Nov. 27, 2006 (utc 0)

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According to the website: [microsoft.com]

As of November 15, 2006 Microsoft will no longer accept new sign-ups for select Microsoft Online Small Business Services.

These services, previously marketed under the bCentral™ brand, include Appointment Manager, Banner Network Ads, Commerce Manager, Customer Manager, FastCounter Pro, List Builder, Sales Leads, SharePoint®, Submit it!, Traffic Builder, and Web Hosting Packages.

so... MSFT directory submissions, no mas?

It looks that way mister charlie. Bit of a strange decision IMO but there you go. I was thinking of adding some sites as well.

Someone else noticed here:

[webmasterworld.com...]

I'm surprised there are only two posts here!

I would guess that all energies are going to be focussed onto the LIVE brand then.

Great news!

Absolute nightmare of a directory in terms of managing your listings.

Anyone who's ever tried to work out which sites have been auto-renewed, or attempted to cancel a listing, know what I'm talking about.

Looks like they are dropping most of the bCentral services in order to push Office Live.

Wonder what happens if you have submission credits (like if you bought a 10 pack)

This is surprising.

It looks like it's only a problem for new customers and if you attempt to buy more directory listings. If you have credits, then you won't have to go through the "ordering process", which appears to be where the offer was removed.

Why would MSN discontinue this service I wonder? It was one of the better places to get quality links.

I tried signing up to this a couple months ago and was refused every time with no message other than 'error' and no response.

Guess I know why.

I liked the MSFT directory. It was a good price too.

That was absolutely the worst directory to submit to in terms of usability - it was always in my top quality "bang for the buck" submission list though - shame they're doing away with it.

It'd be nice to see something new and improved launched on the live domain.

So should I try to use up my last few credits (if they'll even let me) or wait until they decide what they're doing next, aka maybe an even better opportunity?

It is funny - I got an email from them TODAY, saying I should renew my LISTINGS

It's funny, I got a call last week asking me to spend some cash for a sponsored section on the site (as I am a premium customer).

Guess they have been watching me......

I like it!

Anyone care about this thread?

Just wondering because I have made more than 500k from MSN traffic - and I am happy about the fact "google" obsession is where it is.

I keep posting because I want to - but that's all because I always get pulled up on the fact I could be a bull#*$!X.

And I agree!

>>I liked the MSFT directory. It was a good price too.

Agree - I thought this was a good model for Google to emulate.

I got a renewal email this week too.. Strange they are closing it to new money. I wonder if they are planning to close down the directory or if they are working to give it a makeover. Hopefully a makeover.

Yep - just got my renewal notice too. Very odd.

Well - first DMOZ has been broken for a while and note BCentral is taking no new members...perhaps that is the new trend. ;-)

Sure glad I didn't renew du to an account mismatch when they had two accounts in my name and would not proceed...

Wonder what happens if you have submission credits (like if you bought a 10 pack)

I have 100+ credits and just submitted three sites and they went through without a problem.

I'm actually disappointed they are doing away with the directory, it was a great way to get PR juice.

Cabo

>>>I tried signing up to this a couple months ago and was refused every time with no message other than 'error' and no response.

Same thing happened to me about 2 weeks ago. Very frustrating.

Never thought I would have trouble giving M$ money.

I was delaying to buy new credits from MSN directory and, after reading these messages, I was afraid I'll not be able to do so. Anyway, today (November 28) seems the the problem is fixed, at least when trying to create a new account (which I didn't completed :)

By the way, I was looking for some news with DMOZ, I am watching DMOZ for more then 1 month and it is still colsed to new submissions. Some news?

I tried signing up to this a couple months ago and was refused every time with no message other than 'error' and no response.

Same here. Anyone know if an existing user can add an additional site? ;)

In my experience, they don't ask you to renew.

They just take the money off your registered card :-(
You have to be pro-active and cancel any listings if you don't want them auto-renewed.

But their system seems to be set up to make it as difficult as possible for you to do that. You can't do it online. You have to call them (and that's another experience in itself!)

Yeah, I was trying for a couple months to get a client listed, with several support tickets sent. They just broke their submission form and I couldn't figure out why they were working so hard to not take my money, he he. Ah well.

> "They just broke their submission form and I couldn't figure out why "

Sounds like what's going on with DMOZ. I wonder if it will also soon announce it will go away. :(

so does this means even existing users can further modify/add/edit resources (listed sites)?

I just added a new domain to my existing account and it got approved and listed in the directory right away (within hours).