Software---the bribe of all bribes. This is what MSN offers:
MSN also brags about their enhanced parental controls. Hence the man-butterfly in all of their commercials. In them you see a mom and kids walking down a street with the butterfly two steps ahead of them, covering up anything that may be offensive to the kiddies. Highly entertaining. Instead of just having a broad shield, you're able to fine-tune your settings to better fit your needs. You can set separate settings for browsers, email, dictionary, calendars, downloading files, etc. You can also have a report printed out each time a session is done, so you know exactly what was done. This is pushing it a bit in my book. Can we say, "controlling?"
Another big plus: MSN offers help with switching from other ISP's. I don't know about you, but my ISP holds my life. Addresses, favorite places, personal settings, buddy lists, etc. To switch would be a huge pain, and a risk of losing important stuff. The fact that MSN understands and addresses this earns them another gold star.
On the downside: the dreaded customer service. Recently I underwent a research project where I was required to call 150 big named companies and try to get some info from them. The operative word here being, "try." I started believing that these people were told in their weekly training meetings to be as uncooperative as they could when people call. 45 minute hold times, transferred to everyone in the office, and even an "accidental" disconnect.
Such is the case with MSN. Word is they have too many customers to handle (next question: so why are they promoting it so strong right now?). Users complain of long hold times, rude operators, and billing fiascoes. I personally took my 2 month free trial last year, but when I asked to cancel it, they made it so hard and confusing I wasn't sure if I cancelled, or ordered a rubber duckie. Sure enough, our next bank statement showed that they charged us for the next 2 months. Yet another Bill Gates joke, I guess.
Time for the Pros/Cons nutshell:
PROS:
Bottom line, True to Microsoft protocol, MSN offers lots of frills, but their ability to follow through is arguable. If they just spend more time and money on customer service, they'd be perfect. At any rate, if you are looking to be pampered and have your ego lifted every time you sign on, MSN does the job!