BlackTiger wrote:Microsoft should eliminate "MVP institution"!It's compromised.
But Vista must be fixed too, after (or before) MVPs elimination.
I'm personally not rejecting Vista, it's quite nice, some interesting features stopping me from returning back to XP. But so much annoyances, semi-bakery and "bug-o-features". It must be fixed.
Unfortunately MS never fixing "stupid behaviour". Example? Easily. WMP11! Problem? If you're starting to play something (video) in already running player then it NEVER comes back! WMP doesn't remembers previous item. It's impossible to return to previously played stream/file. You have to start to play previous content again. So I will be extremely impressed if MS will fix folder view "feature" in Windows Explorer in Vista.
PS: But indeed MVP program must be rethinked and cleaned.
Speaking as an MVP of 10 months only, I'm afraid you've gone off of the rails. It's a pretty typical reaction to assume that because its in print it must all be true.
There are over 2000 MVPs worldwide, so its likely you are going to get a fairly wide set of opinions in amongst that lot. It can't be any other way.
People working for Microsoft get to pick MVPs based on their 'activity' in and around the communities. MVPs are people, that means some MVPs are 'great', some are 'average' and some are 'rubbish' in whatever scales you may measure those.
The fact of the matter is that MVPs recieve the award based on a number of criteria, and there are some very nice rewards that go with the program, but in return as an MVP you are expected to conduct yourself in a certain way. In no way are you barred from having an opinion, MVPs opinions are taken seriously BUT if MVPs think that whatever they say must happen, they are sadly deluded. Microsoft is a company working with its own agenda as we all do. The way that will have the most impact is to go through the MVP country lead and get on touch with the relevant product/area team, not go on a public rant.
Personally, my experience of the program has been fantastic. For your information it is in fact always being looked at and reviewed. 5 years ago I would have never even been considered, as running 'off-line' user group meetings and doing podcasts was not in the frame, everything was about newsgroups and forums and the quantity of answers posted. Now, I think the MVP program is going the right way and is looking hard at 'ordinary' (whatever they are) people who are working hard to help spread knowledge in the community, but not necessarily being the direct source of that knowledge at the time, i.e user group leaders/helpers. The MVPs with specialist knowledge will still be there, but the whole program I believe is giving rise to a much more balanced group of people.
Its been a fantastic experience, and if I get renewed, awesome. If not, I won't bleat about it, I'll just remember the fantastic year I've had and wish everybody else in the program all the best.
Finally I love Vista, I did before I was awarded MVP and I will still love it if or when I cease to be one. Everybody else can have their own opinion, it doesn't change mine.
