Xmarks. Life after announcing death?

Is Xmarks getting a second life?  It may appear that way.  A few days ago, after announcing they would be shutting down a service which has 2 million users across 5 million desktops, in 90 days, it may be possible that this grand service can be saved.

The popular bookmark sync system, with extensions for Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Apple Safari on OS X 10.5 and 10.6, synchronizes bookmarks between computers, in addition to synchronizing passwords, open tabs, and browsing history (Firefox only), may have a second life if a statement issued by their CEO this morning is in the least bit true.

According to a post on the Xmarks blog, James Joaquin, CEO, Xmarks Inc., makes several interesting points concerning the company’s pending shutdown and possible future:

• First off, a big thanks to all of you that sent kudos and “Nooooooo’s” in response to our shutdown announcement.
• We’ve also received a lot of credible interest from companies interested in acquiring the Xmarks assets and taking over the service – no guarantees.
• Many of you have cried from the rooftops that you would be willing to pay for Xmarks. There’s an interesting thread on our customer support forums discussing this.
• We’re revisiting the idea of Xmarks as a premium service. We’ve set up a Pledgebank page where you can sign up if you’re willing to pay at least $10 a year for Xmarks. No credit card is required, but please only pledge if you are genuinely willing and able to pay: www.pledgebank.com/XmarksPremium

Joaquin then goes on to explain why Xmarks never charged for its service and concludes the post with this, “The overwhelming positive user support from all of you, combined with strong interest by companies looking to take over Xmarks, means that the service might just find a ninth life. Please stay tuned.”

As an Xmarks user, I will be tuned in.  I use and love the service.  Are you an Xmarks user?  Would you pay to continue using the service?