Today is the day they are forcing people over to Skype.

Are there any alternatives or workarounds so you can still just use a basic messenger.

I looked at Trillian and Pidgin and both won't support the Skype format properly because they have changed the protocol somewhat and its not open source. Talk about shafting everyone

I'm not really sure what to do as I don't particularly want to merge my two accounts, Skype and MSN. The whole situation is stupid.

Maybe it's time to go back to ICQ!

I used Messenger Reviver to keep mine going 

Quote from: Binary Shadow on May 01, 2013, 10:41:26 AM
I used Messenger Reviver to keep mine going 

Likewise https://messengergeek.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/use-messenger-reviver-2-to-bring-back-messenger-and-beat-skype/

Kiss my ass skype.

Mum says its just MAGICAL!

Nice one guys

I knew I was going to hate it but I bit the bullet a long time ago.  I swear Microsoft actually want us to Video/Voice call people and actually talk to them. 

You can use the built in web client in Outlook.com if that helps, it's simple as it's going to get.