It is now official! Google Webmaster Helps Groups has officially closed yesterday and they have opened up a new discussions area at Google Webmaster Help.
Susan from Google explained that the archives at the old group "will remain read-only, but no new posts will be accepted."
So go to the new introduction thread and say hello to the new group! Currently, the following Googler's are signed up:
Vanessa Fox posted the history of Google Webmaster help at Search Engine Land.
I will do my best to continue tracking these discussions, but there are some additional difficulties being worked out. Those details can be found in this thread if you are interested. Until then, I will do my best to bring you the best threads from this group!
Forum discussion at Google Webmaster Help.