Today Microsoft launched a refresh of The Hive (www.hive.net), a place where online group leaders, bloggers, and site owners can connect with each other and with Microsoft. The new site includes better forums, blogs, photo gallery, and exclusive Microsoft videos. And, if you are an online community leader or you have an “in” with someone who is, you can get access to the community leader only forums. “I’m really excited about the new design, and the feedback has been great so far,” said Aaron Coldiron, Product Manager at Microsoft. “We are opening up the site a bit and encouraging conversations and giving community a voice with Microsoft. We’ve added videos, blogs, and photo gallery. There’s some cool social networking pieces we’re experimenting with as well.

The Hive is all about community and conversation, and The Hive is still a place for independent voices. For instance, the moderators and sponsors are all independent. The difference is that members requested more ways to get a peak inside Microsoft and have conversations with us, and I think we are delivering that. And even though anyone can now visit and view most of the forums, we are maintaining our community leaders only forums where leaders of blogs, sites, and groups can talk in an exclusive environment about how to improve their communities.”