Microsoft's Xbox Live customer rewards program is now a real, working program. A year or so after testing the waters with a beta of sorts, Microsoft has launched "Xbox Live Rewards," a loyalty program not unlike Club Nintendo or even Sony's forthcoming PlayStation Rewards. By spending Microsoft Points, taking surveys, or renewing your Xbox Live subscription, Rewards members will be able to earn free Space Dollars and can even be entered into "exclusive promotions" for chances to win "cool prizes."
Here's the chart of what's available now:
As with all good rewards programs, there's no apparent downside to being a part of Xbox Live Rewards. You just get free stuff for being a customer. But you should note that rewards aren't retroactive; once you sign up, you start fresh. For example, old Live subscribers who use Netflix won't be able to get the 100 MSP for activating the video streaming program since it's already been activated.
Getting in on the action is simple. If you're from the US or UK, just hit this link, sign in, and wait until Microsoft sends you an e-mail.
In other somewhat related news, Microsoft has kicked off another "Bonus" rewards month. In December, if you buy two Xbox Live Arcade games, you'll get 400 MSP back towards the purchase of anything. This one requires a few hoops to jump through first, so definitely visit the registration page before you start spending.
[Thanks for the tip, Devon!]