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By John Hunter

This is not a site previously mentioned in the newsletter. However, this site may be of interest to all Microsoft product users. This sight is a Microsoft newsletter called, Mindshare Monthly. The newsletter offers the Microsoft addict and user group members who use Microsoft operating systems a number of interesting chat groups that focus on Microsoft programs (naturally). The newsletter seems to be pitched to user groups since it offers on-line chat series with Microsoft Product Managers. These are held on the fourth Monday of every month at 4pm to 5PM PST or 7PM to 8PM EST.

User group members are welcome to ask questions about how the products are developed and provide feedback about features they might like to see in the future. (Microsoft asks that no specific technical support questions be submitted).

Another chat involves Xbox, PC games and more (hype courtesy of Microsoft) on Mondays. The most recent occurred on Monday, June 24th and featured Robbie Bach, Senior Vice President of the games division and chief xbox officer. The chat occurred 4PM-5PM PST or 8PM- 9PM EST.

A Digital photography chat will occur on Monday, July 29th 7PM to 8PM EST. Guests are Michele Richardson (Picture It! Product Manager), Jessica Goldberg (Manager with MSN Photos), Charlotte Lowrie (Managing Editor Web Content MSN Photos), Denae Anderson (Subject Matter Expert in Product Support Team), and Andy Wand (Lead Program Manager with Picture It! on-line).

For those on the go, a Mobile Devices chat will occur on Monday, August 26th at 7PM to 8PM EST. Learn about Microsoft support for Club Pocket PC. Guests include Beth Goza, Erick Eidus, Chris Hill and Charles Pickrell (club pocket pc user group coordinator).

According to Microsoft, Money 2002, Windows XP, Publisher 2002, and Frontpage 2002 have been the subjects of previous chats and transcripts of those chats can be viewed online.

The URL for Mindshare Chats with product managers is http://www.microsoft.com/mindshare/chats.asp. The Mindshare site is free to user group members as far as I can tell.

Microsoft also has a partnership with Smart Computing Magazine that according to Microsoft offers user group members discounts on the computing guides, learning and reference series. For every three issues the user group or members purchase, you’ll get a fourth issue of equal or lesser value free. Plus, free shipping. Costs run $5.95 for Guide and Learning Series offerings (144 pages of tips, tricks and troubleshooting info).

The Smart Computing Offer Page Discount URL is http://smartcomputing.com/offer/buy3.asp?source=1888.

There will be two shows on Tech TV on cable featuring Microsoft xTreme. The 30 minute tv shows will air on October 5th and November 2nd. According to Microsoft, these shows will feature product demos.

The Mindshare Website has more information. The URL for the generic Mindshare site is http://www.microsoft.com/mindshare/default.asp.

John M. Hunter

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