Windows Live Expo -- Free Classified Ads the Microsoft Way
Posted on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 9:30 PM by Randall
Craigslist is a popular service, at least in the few cities across the US where it is active, where you can list just about anything in a classified ad -- and most ads are free. It started as a mailing list in San Francisco years ago and simply grew. About a year ago, eBay bought a stake in it and Craigslist lovers feared it was the end. It wasn't, but now Microsoft has entered the scene with its Windows Live Expo, a Craiglist-style social classified ad listing service. While it is in beta, it looks very nice. It covers the entire country -- although I did not find much listed near Waco, TX today. Of course, I suspect this will change as more people hear about the service.
From the Windows Live Expo web site:
Expo is a dynamic social listing service that allows members to find and sell items, discover information, and meet other parties in their area – all for free!
With Expo, you can browse and post listings to those you trust, like your buddies, co-workers, and fellow students, or, to all Expo visitors.
In addition, you can map listings easily using MSN Virtual Earth, post a free listing in less than a minute with our easy-to-follow steps, and use instant messages to communicate quickly with other members.
Some people are already saying that Windows Live Expo spells doom for eBay. I really doubt this, as Expo is not an auction site. It may not even be the doom of Craigslist, which seems to have a loyal following. It is probably not good for newspapers, however, many of whom seemed to want to extend their domination of classified ads to the Internet. If Expo catches on at all, newspapers may find it had to charge high prices they would like to charge for their online classifieds.
Rating: 5 Stars
Price: Free
Web Site: http://expo.live.com/