Microsoft to Shutter Soapbox User-Generated Video Site

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on July 22, 2009 - 10:43am.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft (NASD: MSFT) has opted to shutter the Soapbox user-generated video portion of its MSN service, according to published reports.

The service launched in 2006, but never gained traction against rival YouTube (NASD: GOOG).

Microsoft began notifying users on Tuesday of Soapbox's impending closure on Aug. 31.

"Though we'll be retiring the Soapbox service in its current form, we are committed to user-generated content and our other video offerings through MSN Video," Erik Jorgensen, head of Microsoft's MSN, told CNET News.com.

"We also plan to add functionality into MSN Video to easily enable bloggers and citizen journalists to upload content to share with our MSN users. Video remains an important and growing area within our overall content strategy."

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/nqy8v (PaidContent)

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10292031-75.html

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&tab=soapbox