Volvo Sponsors MSN Spaces...

Like they really need the money... but I guess there is nothing like a little commercial validation.

"As the Web becomes more personal, what is the right way for the advertiser to integrate itself into an increasingly personal experience?" asked Gayle Troberman, MSN's director of branded entertainment and experiences team. "Once a user chooses to go to a branded experience -- the advertiser is not just creating an impression, they are creating an advocate."

I'm not sure I get that we are choosing a "branded experience"... and that by advertising on our blog we become advocates. We do by default, but not by intent. Maybe that's a reason not to use MSN Spaces - the fact you don't get to choose who is advertising in your personal space.

According to AdAge:

Pushed live as a Beta test in December, the MSN Spaces concept, which provides anyone with an easy way to start a personal Web log, has proven wildly popular. MSN said 4.5 million people -- or more than a million a month since testing began -- signed up to use the free feature.

Volvo