Just curious to see if anyone here has joined - http://www.microsoft.com/WEB/websitespark/

Program Benefits
WebSiteSpark provides access to a technology offering for development and production hosting of websites. Once enrolled, you can download the following software from Microsoft:

* For design, development, testing and demonstration of new websites – for a total of up to three users per Web design and development company:
o Visual Studio Professional
o Expression Studio 3 (1 user) and Expression Web 3 (up to 2 users)
o Windows Web Server 2008 R2
o SQL Server 2008 Web Edition
* For production use – that is, to deploy and host new websites developed using Program software – using a total of up to four processors per Web design and development company, of the following (physical or virtual) dedicated servers:
o Windows Web Server 2008 R2
o SQL Server 2008 Web Edition

I did, and have all licenses
P.S. Your blog link goes nowhere

Must fix that when I get a chance.

I saw this as well ...
Fee: A USD $100 Program Offering Fee is due when the Web development and design company exits the Program. As part of Microsoft's commitment to small Web development and design service companies’ long term success, there are no upfront costs for companies to join WebsiteSpark.
Reference: http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark/Support.aspx?tab=ProgramDetails (bottom of the page)

it's free for the first 3 years ... then it's 100 bucks a year (kind'a the 99 bucks on Apple Development Program - witch I own as well)

The $100 is on exit. You must pay license fees to keep using the software after the initial three years.
http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark/Support.aspx?tab=ProgramDetails#que16

What will happen after three years of participation in WebsiteSpark?
Microsoft intends WebsiteSpark to inspire success in the Web business. WebsiteSpark provides software for three years of use, with a $100 Program Offering Fee due upon exit from the program.
At the end of the three-year program, there are two graduation offers available to continue usage of the software (see below). For Web Pros who self-host, the WebsiteSpark software use rights expire at the end of Program, but can be renewed through one of the graduation offers. For Web Pros using hosted servers at a Hosting Partner, the WebsiteSpark offer available through the Hosting Partner will expire, but can be renewed through a graduation offer available at that time (the terms and pricing of continuing hosting services are between the Hosting Partner and the Web Pro).
Web Pros who have deployed a site using program software and servers within the first six months of program enrollment can retain one license of the version of Expression Web available at the end of the 3 year Term.
Microsoft will have 2 special offers available for WebsiteSpark graduates. The first, called the WebsiteSpark Graduation Package, will include products equivalent to the WebsiteSpark offering for $999 per year and continued presence in the WebsiteSpark Partner Catalog (or its successor). The second, called Entry Server Package, will include products equivalent to Program Hosting Servers for $199 per year per processor and continued presence in the WebsiteSpark Partner Catalog.
Another option to continue in a Microsoft program, is to enroll in one of the Microsoft Partner Programs (called MPN), which provide options to receive benefits as well as internal use software (non production software).

Originally posted by Podge
Just curious to see if anyone here has joined - http://www.microsoft.com/WEB/websitespark/

There are actually other programs which give you software benefits if you don't qualify or aren't interested in WebSpark.

[Edit] I forgot the mention. For Microsoft Action Pack, it helps if you're a MSFT partner and sell/build MSFT based solutions. Otherwise, you'll just get a lot of software that you don't need. Few hobbists need a Biztalk server license or 10 licenses for Microsoft Forefront Security client, etc.
[Edit]
You have to join the MSFT Partner program first, but membership is free. https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40032508

Microsoft Action Pack (MAPs): https://partner.microsoft.com/40016455
What's in MAPs: https://partner.microsoft.com/40112699

Ken
Senior Marketing Manager
Worldwide Partner Group
Microsoft

PS: How can I reclaim my old Seahorse user id? I've lost access to the email address and can't remember my old password.

Hi Ken,

I can change the email address for you or set a password with a value that you choose. Email me through the forum to let me know what you'd prefer.

Originally posted by ruirib
Hi Ken,

I can change the email address for you or set a password with a value that you choose. Email me through the forum to let me know what you'd prefer.

It says that I don't have enough posts to email you. :)

I will change the password and email to the address of the new account. You can then change it again.