Earlier this month, I talked with another one of our community members – Mindy.  She’s not only a community member, but also a Microsoft MVP for Live Search QnA.  This is a great time to publish our podcast conversation while also highlighting conversational questions, a brand new feature of QnA.  Check out Mindy’s blog entry on this for more details.

Mindy and I talked about a lot of things, starting with her work with QnA.  Then we went on to talk about Windows Live products and services, touching on Messenger, Spaces, and Hotmail.  Finally, we wrapped up with a discussion about security and safety, specifically for families with younger children.

You can download this specific podcast in the format you prefer using the links below:

• Conversation with Mindy (WMA format)
• Conversation with Mindy (MP3 format)

Or subscribe to my whole podcast series using these links:

• Windows Live Podcast Series (WMA format)
• Windows Live Podcast Series (MP3 format)

Thanks for taking to share your thoughts with me and our community, Mindy!

- Marcus, Windows Live Community Manager

I have previously stated my admiration for Common Craft and the work they do.  They recently completed a project with us to create one of their signature videos to explain some of the new things you’ll see in Windows Live.  Check it out below and let me know what you think.

Common Craft Video about Windows Live

As an interesting side note, Common Craft is based here in the Seattle area and I had the chance to meet Lee LeFever at a recent community roundtable gathering organized by Bill Johnston.  After we were introduced, I asked him what he did.  After he told me, I realized I should have guessed from the sound of his voice!  It was great meeting the guy behind the videos.

- Marcus, Windows Live Community Manager

One of best things we’re doing (IMHO) around Windows and Windows Live is starting to put people into retail stores to help customers make technology decisions.  We call these fine folks Windows Gurus.

Recently, our friends at Channel 10 sat down with four of the Gurus to learn more about how they got started as Gurus, how they work with customers, and what sort of interesting experiences they’ve had on the job.  Listen to the whole interview here. 

So the next time you’re in a computer retail environment like Best Buy, look for a Windows Guru!

- Marcus, Windows Live Community Manager

A few months back, I blogged about not having been bitten by the Twitter bug.  Well, it finally got me.  Here are a few things that that ultimately got me tweeting:

• It’s a great way to get timely news and insights filtered by knowledgeable people.  I especially like following people like @jowyang.
• Some of my colleagues and I can use it to tell more people about Windows Live.  Together we’re tweeting via @wlive.
• I can tweet from my Windows Mobile 6.1 smart phone (Samsung Blackjack II).  I’m using TinyTwitter for this. 
• And probably the biggest reason?  Windows Live is going to start supporting Twitter in our new integrated What’s New display (read more about this on Rob Dolin’s blog entry). 

So if you’re not on Twitter yet, maybe it’s time you gave it a try too?  I hope you’ll consider following me, and I’ll follow you too.  And for an amusing read, check out this list of 66 twitter twerms, courtesy of @johmar. 

- Marcus, Windows Live Community Manager

I love Writer.  You love Writer.  Everyone loves Writer.

I recently sat down with Becky Pezely, Senior Program Manager on the Writer team to get her take on the current beta release of Writer as well as what’s coming up right around the corner when Writer goes from beta to final release.  We talked about some of the cool new video and photo things being added to the product as well as just how much easier blogging is when you use Writer.

The feature we discuss at the end of the podcast is a “photo montage” and will be part of the final release, coming soon.  To whet your appetite for it, here is a screenshot:

You can download this specific podcast in the format you prefer using the links below:

• Windows Live Writer Podcast (WMA format)
• Windows Live Writer Podcast (MP3 format)

Or subscribe to my whole podcast series using these links:

• Windows Live Podcast Series (WMA format)
• Windows Live Podcast Series (MP3 format)

To learn more about Writer, check out http://www.windowslive.com/explore/writer or http://download.live.com/writer for the beta release.

Happy blogging,

- Marcus, Windows Live Community Manager

Today, the Windows Live team formally announced the next generation of Windows Live.  It’s a thrilling day to be part of the extended team working on this release.  You can read more about it on Windows Live Wire or on Microsoft PressPass.  I also blogged about it over on the Windows Live Community Clubhouse Space. 

My favorite new feature of this release is the new Windows Live Home Page.  It really does a great job of bringing together everything I want to know about my digital life into one place, keeping me in sync with what’s going on with my friends and family. 

I know that I’ll be blogging about this new release a lot over the weeks and months ahead, and I’m sure many of the Windows Live Community members will be as well.  This is a major step forward for Windows Live and we look forward to hearing what you think of what’s new!

- Marcus, Windows Live Community Manager

For those of you who are members of the Windows Live community or have visited www.windowslive.com recently, you’ve probably seen contributions from Jeff.  Jeff was one of the earliest members of our community and recently joined me for conversation about how he uses technology.  We specifically talked about Windows Live Spaces.  Jeff uses Spaces to keep up with his personal goal of writing every day, as well as sharing photos on-line with his friends and family.  We even talked about how to manage comment spam within Spaces, thanks to a tip from Jamie, another community member.

You can download this specific podcast in the format you prefer using the links below:

• Conversation with Jeff (WMA format)
• Conversation with Jeff (MP3 format)

Or subscribe to my whole podcast series using these links:

• Windows Live Podcast Series (WMA format)
• Windows Live Podcast Series (MP3 format)

Thank you, Jeff, for all your contributions to the Windows Live community and for doing this podcast with me.  

- Marcus, Windows Live Community Manager

This week, we’re continuing to chat with some of our Windows Live Community members.  Today’s podcast is with Robert, who works in IT in Missouri.  He’s been a member of our community since the early days and as you’ll hear in the podcast, he has quite a sophisticated technology setup in his house.  We talked about social networking, adding custom domains to Windows Live, SkyDrive, and Live Mesh.  He also shared with us an interesting embarrassing on-line moment from many years ago.

You can download this specific podcast in the format you prefer using the links below:

• Conversation with Robert (WMA format)
• Conversation with Robert (MP3 format)

Or subscribe to my whole podcast series using these links:

• Windows Live Podcast Series (WMA format)
• Windows Live Podcast Series (MP3 format)

I’ve got a few more podcasts with community members coming up over the next few weeks.  I hope you’re enjoying listening to them as much as I’ve enjoyed making them.  If you’re interested in joining our Windows Live Community, just check out our Clubhouse Space and learn more in the Join Now section in the upper right corner.

- Marcus, Windows Live Community Manager