It's been 6 years since I founded the IRC D&D community here on Yahoo!
Groups and I still can't wrap my mind fully around how successful it
has been. That said, I feel I should also share the concerns I hold
for the future of this group.

As many of you I am sure know, Microsoft issued an offer to purchase
Yahoo! Inc several months back - an offer that was rejected by the
then CEO of Yahoo!, a decision which was not supported by the Board of
Directors. However, that CEO (Jerry Yang) has since stepped down from
his position and it's expected that another Microsoft bid is not too
far off. This news alone would raise some concerns in long time Yahoo!
Group owners and users - we chose this service over the what many
believed an inferior service offered by MSN, unfortunately it does not
end there.

Microsoft has decided to end its hosting of online groups in February
of 2009 and is referring all MSN Group owners to a service known as
Multiply. It is unclear what a Yahoo! merger with Microsoft would mean
for Yahoo! Groups. While the brand would surely be preserved for a
time, Gates' brainchild has shown time and time again that after a
predetermined adjustment period it ultimately does away with the
identity of its former competition. Do not worry yourselves though -
IRC D&D shall not fade away. An ark shall be built and you will be
saved should the end of days come.