Microsoft recently sent out the notices for the January 2006 MVP awards (I think it is done quarterly), and if you read .Net oriented blogs, you probably already saw that some people got their status renewed, some are first timers, and others didn’t get renewed (I’ll refrain from linking to everyone). I was one of the renewed folks (for XML), so I’d just like to thank everyone involved (you know who you are). I don’t consciously go out and try to meet the MVP requirements, so for the last 3 years I can say that I’m honestly surprised when I get the email. It is an honor to be considered, and the benefits are pretty nice, but if they ended the program tomorrow, I’d still do what I do. Actually, like Scott Bellware, sometimes I wonder if some of the things I say will negatively affect the MVP nomination process. But then I remember that Dare was one of the forces behind the MVP for XML designation, and he doesn’t seem to worry about criticizing his employer. Compared to what he can lose (his job), I’ve got nothing to worry about. So, I’m going to continue giving constructive criticism (where applicable) along with plenty of praise for the great things that the folks within Microsoft accomplish. Looking back, I think the first year I was an MVP, I was in awe, and tried to fit in. The second year I started to feel my way around, and make a little noise, not knowing how far to take some things. With the third year I am going to try to push the boundaries a bit, trying not to break them. 2006 is going to be a critical year in the evolution of Microsoft from a desktop oriented company and towards the service oriented ideas originally detailed in the 2001 PDC, and I think we can help influence them in the “right” directions.
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