SlashNOT

matthew writes: MSN today blocked TCP port 25 (SMTP) for all users, disabling their ability to send e-mail from any standard e-mail client (including Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express). Other ISPs also block port 25 outbound, but provide e-mail servers for users. MSNs new measure eliminates even their own servers.
While MSN’s “official” explanation is that they want users to generate e-mail using MSN explorer only, Slashnot has investigated directly and found the true reason: MSN is lonely and wants to users to call.
“Well, you do the math. Prior to the block, MSN was receiving 2, maybe 3,000 phone calls from users per day. The block has generated an additional 100,000 calls per day.” says Slashnot investigator Captain Tako. “They’re hearing from a significant percentage of their customers every day. Within a month, I think they’ll hear from the 80% of their subscribers that actually use the service.”
MSN technicians have been relieved to hear from users, irate as they are. “We were worried, you know, that our users were getting out of touch. Many users had actually never called us. Not once. They just sign up and use, use, use. Sometimes you have to do drastic things so that people remember and appreciate you.” says an MSN technician who prefers to remain anonymous. “I go through some calming exercises with the user, help them find their center, and remember that sending e-mail isn’t nearly as important as receiving [ours]. It’s a bonding experience for them and for us.”