That article made my head spin. What's the problem? Its like they're trying so hard to turn a positive into a negative. I don't see anything wrong with temporarily giving Silver members Gold status. Way better than not allowing them to play at all.

The only negative is that microsoft is bending you over and taking your money.

I never payed for a gold subscription nor ever will. Why? Several reasons.
The fact that i dont always play online (work constrictions), and that microsoft reserves the right to terminate the service and server at any given time they want. If i get no garantee that my money is giving me a proper service i can count on, im not paying and next gen im going to Sony/Nintendo who offer the same for free.

Of course, for some they think its so cheap that its ok, but i dont like to be exploited. This isnt a service its a temporary service that offers no garantee and goes at the sound of microsoft's needs and not the consumer.
It would make sense to let all silver play online, and have the gold subscription for all those other TV services and early acesses.

"Microsoft charging for XBL on the original Xbox came as a surprise when the system debuted in 2002, but the novelty of playing an online console game helped players overlook the fact that the PlayStation 2, Dreamcast, and GameCube offered the similar functionality (albeit with different games) with no subscription." --Not true. Also, Xbox Live offered downloadable content, even on the Xbox. Halo maps and even endings to Dead or Alive 3. I even downloaded characters to Outlaw Volleyball (Xbox 1 game) with my Xbox 360.

I remember Sega costing like $100 a year or something during the Dreamcast era. In fact, at one point, Sega was giving away really discounted Dreamcasts (possibly even free) as long as people signed up for SegaNet. Playstation's online didn't come until after Xbox Live. You had to buy a Network Adapter. Nintendo's online was virtually non-existent. The only game I can remember being available for it was Phantasy Star Online. I'm just an average gamer. If I know this, why doesn't a professional game journalist?

It was.  I remember people complaining about it because, when they added the capability, they removed the ability to use the PS2 HDD.  Final Fantasy fans were PISSED!  I had three PS2's but I never owned a slim.

Again, I don't get the problem. There have been several times when XBL was free for everybody. Hell, they just did this in December--Christmas weekend, I think.

Thing is, I hope Sony charges at least something next Gen for online so they can make more profits. Just hope they give more options like being able to buy a certain number of hours, rather than just monthly plans.

id never buy live never, even early this gen when i had 360 only i skipped online, it should be free with extras piled in for a service charge

Lol, good job there 1up. Turning the positive to an utter negative, even going as far as calling the system that just gave you something for free, absurd.

No, Online gaming should be free, period. It has been free on PCs for years (MMOs nothwithstanding). Everyone else is free. BUt MS charges?? Yeah its not alot, but what happened to people's principals???

While im at it, WTF do you get for Silver?? I've asked my xbox friends, but they either have gold or they just dont use thier 360 anymore and have no idea

I do not see the point of having to pay to use my internet connection. I could care less if its only 40$ a year or w.e, i could save that money to buy another game. The people who say xbox has better online connections are the ones who play cod all day and don't realize that activision obviously favors the xbox more.