Microsoft pulls plug on free software program

The internet has been buzzing this week with news that Microsoft was giving away free software to those who allow the company to track their PC use in order to determine how to improve the company's products. According to Slashdot, the company was offering copies of Office, Streets, or Money to those willing to allow them to look over their shoulders.

Now, however, we receive word that Microsoft has pulled the plug on the freebies. I signed up earlier today, only to receive a response including this message:

"What happened to the free product option?

Thank you for your interest in the feedback program. Due to overwhelming response, the supply of gifts have been exhausted so we have closed our free product offer on 12/11/2007 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time. Thanks to everyone that participated!"

Since just yesterday Windows Media Player refused to allow me to play music I'd paid for fair and square some time ago, I was forced to load Winamp to listen to my Franz Ferdinand tunes. Therefore, I didn't have a lot of good will toward Microsoft, so I bowed out of the program when I found there wasn't anything in it for me.