When will MSFT dump the "Live" branding? I'm establishing a death pool. Put your answer in the comments - month / year. I'm specifically referring to Microsoft's main search brand - i.e. what is currently at live.com, aka MSN Search.

My guess: Feb. 2008.

Winner will get a lovely prize. Probably an Amazon Gift Certificate.

For your gambling assistance - here's a succint summary from Mary Jo Foley, on the latest set of problems for Microsoft Live (including recent resignation of Blake Irving, a Corporate Vice President in Microsoft's Windows Live Platform):

Microsoft has been struggling to create a cohesive Live story for more than a year. The company is building up a family of Live services designed to complement existing Microsoft software products, as well as accompanying Live development platforms. The Live branding strategy has been in disarray.

Yeah, I'm kinda rooting for it to fail as fast as possible - hopefully sooner than Feb 2008, I must admit. Maybe if they revamp it soon, MSN Search will start to actually be relevant again. I just think the elephant dances very slowly these days.

¶ 3/06/2007