MSN is changing all of its email account to "Outlook." Yes, it's a new format, and yes, it's clearly made for tablets, etc and yes I think it takes my a million times longer to write and read emails than it has been for the last 12 years.

Put all that aside. This is about something else.

When your account is rolled over to Outlook (blue bar on top), watch out for two things:

1. They automatically link your Twitter and Facebook accounts. As in, MSN automatically searches the net for your email address, and attaches your photo to your emails. 

My Gen Y readers might love this, including my own dance partner, but I prefer they offer rather than assume. If you are like me, you can un-link yourself, but they make it very difficult to find that option page and they link them a few days after they roll you over so you don't notice it. Just Google the solution when it does happen and they'll stop.

2. Just like Facebook, the new Outlook makes your personal and private info available to MSN and it's affiliates, friends etc. You can also undo this by Googling it, since that's changing day to day as well.

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So the new Outlook doesn't change the "look," it also changes you into a less private account - more along the lines of the Social Networks than before.

I consider such changes to be a change in product, instead of a change in service, so... again. Just a friendly FYI. 

Do what you like - but I highly recommend doing it with your eyes wide open. :)