There has been a great deal of discussion in the newsgroups of late
pertaining to attempting to earn MVP status. I would like to clarify a
few
points:
1. You cannot earn MVP status. You must be nominated by a current MVP or
in
some cases Microsoft employees. Once that is done you are vetted for
worthiness in the program based on your positive contributions to
community
in the preceeding twelve months. Though there are other ways of being
noticed, the easiest way is a presence in on-line newsgroups.
2. There are no professional requirements for being nominated. You are
not
required to hold any certifications, even if you are being nominated in an
area that has certifications. You can therefore be an MVP in Windows
Server
or Active Directory without holding any of the credentials.
3. The MVP award is just that, it is an award. It is not a credential,
and
should be seen as such.
4. If you set out as your goal to become an MVP then chances are you will
fail. It takes a long time to be noticed by the right people, and if you
are making your contributions based solely on the goal, then you will
probably falter before it happens. MVPs are community-minded people with
a
passion for helping, and that is pretty hard to fake. And frankly though
there are real benefits to being an MVP they are dwarfed by the commitment
it requires to become one.
5. All MVPs must follow a code of conduct that includes respect for others
as well as the program, and overall positive behaviour. As was proven in
October MVPs who do not follow this code will have the award revoked.
6. MVPs do receive some benefits but they do not receive compensation. We
do what we do because we believe in it, not for the money... there isn't
any
(though if you do go to Summit there is food and drink).
I hope this clarifies some of the myth. If you do want to be an MVP it
has
little to do with whatever little clubhouses you may frequent, rather how
you compose yourself. It would not be unheard of for a member of a rogue
group to become an MVP if the individual's commitment and dedication and
com****tment were in line with these guidelines.
--
Montreal MCT
Microsoft MVP: Windows Server - Customer Experience
Visit my blog at
http://dnn.mitpro.ca/mitpro/Blogs/tabid/59/BlogID/2/Default.aspx
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