The beta version of Microsoft's new free blog service, MSN Spaces, has been getting lots of attention these days, so I thought I'd take it for a test drive.
Less than 90 seconds after clicking on the 'Sign Up Now!' button I had created my very own MSN Space just waiting for me to start pouring out my innermost thoughts for all the world to see. Its built in control panel made it very simple to change the look and layout of the site with quite a few built-in themes and layout options to choose from. It also includes several built-in content modules such as photos, and lists that you can choose from as well.
All in all, I think it stacks up pretty well against the more established blog providers out there, but without the cost.
Due to my control freak nature, I won't be dropping my current blog in favor of MSN Spaces anytime soon. Instead I'll patiently await the release of the update for Telligent Systems' Community Server and its blog module. It's the successor to .Text, the software powering my blog now. I will however recommend MSN Spaces to my technology-challenged friends and colleagues as a way to easily establish their own online presence quickly and easily.