If being an MVP were merely a popularity contest, you'd be one by now.
I don't know the whole story behind Rory getting invited, but I can tell you this...the MVP summit (or at least parts of it) is not strictly limited to MVPs. There are parts where press are invited (and given his position with .NET Rocks, Rory counts there), and there are other exceptions that are made.
But the most important point is that the MVP Summit (and in fact the MVP program itself) is Microsoft's. If they want to invite non-MVPs to the summit, it's their decision to make...they're footing the bill. No one lost out because of Rory's presence, and I know a number of people whose experience was enriched by his being there. I understand where you're coming from, but I just don't see any benefit to anyone in engaging in this kind of "what's Microsoft thinking" discussion. You're absolutely right that it makes you look envious, it probably will make Rory feel worse (when I would argue that he has absolutely nothing to feel bad about in the first place), and it does other MVPs like Frans who missed the summit no good whatsoever. IMO, it would be best to let stuff like this go.
"they want to invite non-MVPs to the summit, it's their decision to make...they're footing the bill"
Well, Gee thanks! Microsoft is getting from the MVP summit no less than what it is giving. The summit is about sharing - its not MS helping the community, is more like MS and the community help each other. If the ground rules are not respected at one side, why should the other respect them? Could I give myself an exception and go there just because I felt I deserve to? no. The forces are not even. Hence, since the community MS hosts has to stick by MS rules, it would only be appropriate that MS, as the maker of these rules, Will uphold them, or no respect for them or any joy of actually being an MVP will be achieved.
"and I know a number of people whose experience was enriched by his being there"
Like I said, he's a great guy. I know plenty of guys who would have been great to talk to with great stories. Yet they are strangely not there.
"it probably will make Rory feel worse "
It shouldn't. This isn't about him. It's about how MS handles the event.
"and it does other MVPs like Frans who missed the summit no good whatsoever"
If they felt the same than this post just became more relevant because MS should know that there are unhappy MVPs out there.
If they don't feel the same I'd love to hear why.
It does do good by raising this issue in public. Conversation leads to improvement.
What good is a government without opposition?
Roy -
"I’m going to ask the Microsoft community leaders a question and I bet I’m not the only one who was asking himself that: 'What the f**k??.'"
The one thing I'd like to say in defense of MS is that there doesn't seem to be an MVP category for people like me, and that might be why I was allowed to go to the summit without actually being an MVP.
Someone on my site suggested that there ought to be an evangelism MVP award. I totally agree, but it doesn't currently exist. Maybe my presence at the summit was an indication that some people inside of MS think that it *should* exist.
However, take all of this with a grain of salt. I certainly don't want to try to speak for anyone at MS, and I don't know their thoughts on the matter. This is just a guess.
It makes some sense, though. Microsoft, in terms of the MVP program anyway, is *very* product/technology focused. The people who are getting the awards are the ones who are, for example, answering "tough" questions about Excel in forums and newsgroups. Stuff like that.
Then, take me for example: I gave up a pretty damn good income to be able to blog more and co-host .NET Rocks. As of today, I've basically netted $0 this year, and, I'm sorry to say, that's only a slight exaggeration. There really *should* be some kind of recognition of the contribution that a loud-mouthed jerk such as myself makes to the community :) I'm not saying that anybody owes me anything, but the truth is that I've chosen armchair evangelism over a six-figure income - I'm *paying* to do this. When I spoke in Hartford, and when I spoke in Boston, I paid for everything. I parted with dough for the privilege of "spreading the word." I believe in this stuff, and it's starting to cost me a pretty penny. The least I could get in return is three lousy letters: M - V - P.
For that reason, I'm glad you brought this up. It might stir up some noise of the "Maybe we need an MVP category for people like Rory" sort. There are chest beaters and horn blowers out there who, like me, have probably done a decent job of getting people interested/entertained/excited about Microsoft, but who have received less recognition than someone who knew how to get the visitor count Frontpage control working.
Anyway, all that said, I'm happy that I got to go. I don't know why I was let in, but I suspect that it's for something similar to the reasons I've presented here.
One more thing...
"Well, maybe you shouldn’t have accepted. If it made you feel uneasy, maybe you should have taken it as a sign."
There's no way I'd say "no."
I'm an atheist who believes that you only get *one* shot at life. I don't believe in an afterlife, reincarnation, or anything similar.
When the invitation came along, I looked at it from that point of view. I knew, from not being an MVP, and not knowing what would be going on in my life six months from now, that I could either take it or leave it, and possibly never see the offer again.
So, I took it :) I don't regret it at all, either. I realize that it's a little controversial, but that's never really stopped me from doing anything.
Rory:
"So, I took it :) I don't regret it at all, either"
You shouldn't. You should also dismiss any feelings of guilt which you may have had (and posted about?). I would probably take the same opportunity.
I only wrote that because you seemed to feel bad about doing this.
My gripe is about bending the rules. As for an MVP: There is no Blogging MVP as well. Should there be? probably. DO I think I deserve it, sure. Was there any way I could have gotten in? no.
As for evangelism: AFAIK, you've only been at this for like 2 months at .Net Rocks? Your blog is not much different than a lot of blogs over at DotNetJunkies.com or weblogs.aspnet - people who love .Net. Oh, yours is much funnier, has comics and has been getting HIGH ratings because you're a sharp, witty clever guy. But still, I wouldn't call this pure evangelism because only at .Net Rocks I could define it as something like that.
Beyond being product/technology focused, MVP is focused on *particular* products/technologies. Not every product gets MVPs (and as an outsider at this point, I have no idea who decides which products rate MVPs). But I have mail here saying "If [product X] had MVPs, you would be one".
All of which just goes to emphasize the arbitrary nature of the beast. But, it's Microsoft's party, they can invite who they want to.
I removed my last two comments (both 1 liners)because I didn't formalize my thougts well enough.
Rory:
How is what you described any different than blogs like Darrell Norton, myself and many others? Does that mean we should all be called evangelists?
BTW: there is a General .Net MVP award.
the only way this dispute can be resolved is for both parties to engage in a tickle fight wearing nothing but bras and panties
the winner gets the coveted mvp lapel pin
there should be a celebrity referee...
"Then, take me for example: I gave up a pretty damn good income to be able to blog more and co-host .NET Rocks. As of today, I've basically netted $0 this year, and, I'm sorry to say, that's only a slight exaggeration. There really *should* be some kind of recognition of the contribution that a loud-mouthed jerk such as myself makes to the community :) I'm not saying that anybody owes me anything, but the truth is that I've chosen armchair evangelism over a six-figure income - I'm *paying* to do this. When I spoke in Hartford, and when I spoke in Boston, I paid for everything. I parted with dough for the privilege of "spreading the word." I believe in this stuff, and it's starting to cost me a pretty penny. The least I could get in return is three lousy letters: M - V - P. "
I know you said 'I'm not saying that anybody owes me anything' but you sort of are with 'The least I could get in return is three lousy letters: M - V - P.'. Also giving up money was your choice and I don't think the only reason you did it was for the betterment of the community. Now having said that I'm thankful you did make the choice.
BTW, I made the "Evangelist MVP" suggestion. I'm not an MVP and I couldn't care less.
I mean, why not an MVP for .NET evangelism? They have an MVP award for XBox?! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?! How are they a "Technical guru". "No dude, it's X-X-A THEN down.". C'mon now. "Digital Media MVP"?!
Don't try to say that making a .NET Evangelist award would sully the good name of MVP or lessen it's value. People should put an intrinsic value on the MVP award based on their knowledge of the person that gets it and what they got it for, not based on who else has it.
I've an question - what is this MVP award about ?? Do you spend all your time in newsgroups/blogs/seminars/writing books to be simply recognised as MVP ??
I think nope.
What is this MVP Summit about ? To talk and exchange ideas or simply sit and watch each other and consume drinks ?
Will you accept one more intelligent guy in your closed circle ?? Or you will wait while somebody from Microsoft award him badge with M.V.P. letters ? What's wrong if Microsoft already decided to allow him to come without magic letters ?
Just for a record. Let's go away from Rory person. What in case if poor average-level coder will apper on MVP summit without valid badge ? Will you kill him to not allow steal any information ? Or you will share all the info you have so he will benefit.
So ? What is this MVP program about ?
Closed circle with ability to get a free MSDN Universal and several bucks on MSMarket store OR award to most valuable persons in sharing technical information ?
P.S> Just for a record as fight-back.
I preffer some "MVP"s (thanks God - only a few, most are trully respectable people) forget about Microsoft newsgroups existance. Why ? Becouse they usualy give useless and wrong answers on hard questions. They are able to answer only on simple questions like a Microsoft Corp. URL or latest service pack version etc...
They do this to be "recognised" as top newsgroup posters and keep their MVP status. I preffer they keep silence if they do not know answer instead of spending my and other people time to prove/check their answer is lame.
All I can say is
"Just you Wait" ;)
AT, I'll agree with that - certain MVPs answers are absolute rubbish, and totally false. I've just started answering questions on the newsgroups, and when I do answer, I try to stick at it if I can, until I can solve the problem - and I doubt this will ever get recognised because I will never have the same volume of different distinct responses - but I find it more helpful to the community, and more rewarding for me, then some of these 'MVP's one line meaningless 'answers'. (And I must stress this is only some MVPs - the majority are very good)
"Frans Bouma received his MVP a bit too late to attend, so he didn’t. And guess what, I think Frans’ being there would have made a lot more sense. I wonder what he felt reading Rory’s post on this."
I haven't read his post nor the comments yet, however I look at it this way: there will always be MVP's who have more knowledge than other MVP's. If I look at myself, I really don't think I have the same amount of knowledge about C# as for example Jon Skeet.
Because there are not a lot of MVP's out there, it's a great honour to get the award (I think it is :)). If every 1 out of 3 developers is an MVP, it gets a somewhat degraded value, but I don't think we'll ever reach that amount of MVP's. Because of the great value of the award, I'm not upset that I wasn't in Seattle, there will be hopefully a next time next year. It's the award that matters: the recognition that what a person has done for others is valuable for those others.
About non-MVP's being at the summit: well, nice for Rory that he could get in, but being at a summit doesn't make him an MVP :), just like it is not required to be an MVP to be incredibly valuable for other people. You know you help a lot of people with your blog and tools, Roy. I think that's what matters :)
"Then, take me for example: I gave up a pretty damn good income to be able to blog more and co-host .NET Rocks. As of today, I've basically netted $0 this year, and, I'm sorry to say, that's only a slight exaggeration. There really *should* be some kind of recognition of the contribution that a loud-mouthed jerk such as myself makes to the community :)"
Suuurree :) You gave up a 6 figure income (in italian lire's? ;)) to spread 'the word' and pay every expense from your own pocket.
Well, as you practise 'armchair evangelism' as you call it, perhaps MS could provide a nice, confortable seat for you :)
Don: "ridiculous " ? when the HELL did Rory become an RD?
Frans -
"Suuurree :) You gave up a 6 figure income (in italian lire's? ;)) to spread 'the word' and pay every expense from your own pocket."
I didn't say that was *why* I did it. I just said that that's *what* I did. The distinction is important.
Right now, trying to figure out how I'm going to make rent this month, believe me: I'm questioning the intelligence of my actions.
And, no :) It was in lire...
It also wasn't the main point. It was just a detail. However, I don't really care for the implication that I'm lying, so thought I'd address it.
I never said Rory was an RD, I said he was invited under the RD program. There is a big difference.
We can not know all the facts, so why make a judgment based solely on the little we know. Someone high enough up in Microsoft approved bringing Rory to Redmond the week of the Summit. They authorized it, Rory decided that it was worth his time to go to Redmond, and that is good enough for me. Once you get use to the idea of NDAs (and with it, the idea that you can't know everything you want to know), you will understand that people can't always disclose all the why's and how's. Also, one of the rules of a NDA is that you are not allowed to even say that you are under a NDA. So you will not get any info out of Rory, or anyone who knows, on why he was there.
Don -
"So you will not get any info out of Rory, or anyone who knows, on why he was there."
Especially since even *I* don't know how I got there... It was just as much a surprise to me as it was anybody else :|
does this mean no tickle fight?
Just a comment from a bystander who is in no way in this community (though I watch it with content, it's like a regular days of our lives-episode).
I have to say that this being my future profession (what you're al l doing) I'm a bit afraid. I thought the "programmers sphere" was a relaxed environment, free from petty envy and battles over titles, status and advantages. I guess I was wrong, it's a regular school playground (or exec-level playground.)
Meh... and I have to say I'm glad for Rorys sake. He had a good time and I haven't seen anyone actually at the event complaining yet.
Partially un partial: actually, at least one MVP has written a comment on this post that she was not really OK with it. And I bet there are some more who just don't want to get in the middle of this.
What a loser. Get over yourself.
First of all let me say I'm not an MVP or RD or whatever else. I do have MCSD but I got it for the sole purpose of getting a job.
This goes out to Ron and his supporters. It's amusing to read this thread, you sound like a bunch of kids fighting for some attention. What differentiate you from kids is that you don't speak your mind openly but instead try to disguise your true feelings behind senseless mumbo-jumbo and two faced arguments. Behind all that lies a true nature of your motivation – envy and fame. You try so hard to get noticed and when a guy next to you gets more attention than you all hell breaks loose. Why not just admit what you are after?
You said you respect Rori and to show your respect you argue that he is not good enough to be invited (although you cover up that fact by generalizing about MS policies)? And Rori, somehow you feel the need to defend yourself. Why? Ignore the haters and be proud, you like fame and you got a lucky break that others didn’t.
And for those who suggested creating new MVP title for evangelism and such – I also want to say: “What the f**k?” How does it fit into a concept of Most Valuable Professional? How are you going to provide a value to me? Are you going to help me when I don’t know how to solve a problem? No, you are going to attend PDC, TechEd, blogging dinner (or another social whoring event) and then blog about it. Thanks a lot in advance I’m looking forward to your invaluable help.
To Partially Unpartial: relax; most of us are not like that. Unfortunately these people are usually louder then the rest, after a while you will either join them or ignore them.
I am surprised and disturbed by the "noise" generated by the so-called MVPs.
MVP = Microsoft Valuable Professionals, not best .NET Coder, not best Community leader.
As with all MVP awards, they are all recognized based on intangibles. They help and contribute to the community. And they should all be so gracious to let the so called "Non-MVP" share in the enrichment everyone should so deserved.
Now, if you are gonna ask, why not everyone there, then ? This is a question only MS can answer as they are the host. Remember, we are all guests in their event and we all shld behave like one. As hosts, they can invite anyone they want and see fit and they see fit Rory should attend. If I ran that event, I would invite him too.
I am particularly disturbed by this as this strikes a parallel experience I had in my "younger" days where employers would not even look at me because I dont have a "Computer-Science" Degree. I cant even begin to tell you that so many of my "Computer-Science" peer grads are now economists, businessmen. So if they can do it, why cant a "Economics" grad like me cross over successfully ? Over these years of hard work, I have successfully moved over and am doing good at what I am doing in the IT world. I am sure you all know there are so many top-notch-blue-chip trainers, authors, consultants who are not "Computer-Science" grads but they can beat any average "Computer-Science" grad hands-down with passion and determination.
Remember, stop being so superficial, its all just an appointment. There is no need to put so much weight on it. Yeah, granted, its nice to have. Its MS way of recognizing you BUT we shouldnt use that as deadweight to impose on other people who may not have the misfortune. None of us have the right to.
This is the ticky-tacky squabble SUN Developers have with MS Developers. The vendors love them...creates the flame that fans the fire. The last thing we need is to have even internal groups fighting within the MS Developer camps, be it MSCD, MCSE, MCDBA, MVP, RD, etc etc
Just my 2c worth. Respect is what we must give everyone on this earth as their own individual with their strengths and weaknesses. No one has the right to judge anyone. Well, we try not to, anyways ;)
"And then people complain about the youth of today... *sigh*"
yup, I'm sure many of us (myself included) are the youth of yesterday :)
Chance -
"I can’t begin to express how disgusted I am that anyone would even be the slightest bit upset that this ‘special gathering’ was somehow tainted by his presence..."
Well, you didn't see me dancing during karaoke :)
All the same, thanks for the support. Today's been a crappy day, and hearing a few words in support is very nice.
My third post to this. Get me to talk and you can’t get me to shut the hell up :)
I want to retract a comment from my first post. I got home today and the first thing I did was start catching up on some blogs. By the time I got through reading everything that was posted I was absolutely seething with anger. The jackass comment I made was uncalled for and out of line. I apologize for that. However, I stand by my opinions about your overall attitude towards the event (we can’t leave everything smelling all rosy. Where’s the fun in that? :) ).
This will all blow over in short order I’m sure. We can all put our heads back down and start banging out code again until the next controversy rears its head :)
I dont know why anyone would want to be an MVP... Look at all the bozo's they have as ASP.Net MVP's... Only about 20% deserve it, and 80% just know someone... the whole program reeks of BS and it already has been cheapened to the point of "who the hell cares"... I mean, it is sooo well known that the program is screwed that if I was awarded MVP I wouldn't even tell anyone. The whole thing is a damn joke, and people just want the free MSDN. Thats about it...
Moek
mmmmmmmmm, free MSDN. It just rolls off the tongue doesn't it. freeeeeeeeeeeeeeee as in beer.
Rory
"Well, you didn't see me dancing during karaoke :) "
I did check out the pictures though. Certainly looks like something I would do after I got a few drinks in me (and the lunacy would worsen as the alcohol continued to flow). If you’re ever in the Columbus/Dayton/Cincinnati OH area I’ll have to buy you a drink or 6. I’m sure with our combined shenanigans we could get kicked out of a few bars. Great fun.
Egads, that last paragraph sounds a little bit stalkers-ish doesn’t it? (you’re my friend Rory, come drink with me. You know you want to. Drink with me I said!! I know where you live Rory!! ;) ). Don’t worry, you’re not going to see me peering out from behind a building every time you walk to your car or come home and find me riffling through your underwear drawer :)
Chance and Rory sitting in a tree.
P-r-o-g-rami-n-g
It's good to speak ones mind, but you have to consider the consequences. Roy aren't you worried that if you now get MVP status, people are going to roll their eyes and (rightly or wrongly) think it was your whingeing that got you in? For what it's worth, you probably deserve it, but it'll be somewhat diluted by this little outburst.
I doubt that very many MVP (who are all extremely competent professionals) really cares if MS invites people who don't have technically that coveted title. I mean what kind of insecure dweeb gets mad because MS recognizes that somebody else is also worth inviting to an event. Is any MVP's self-image so weak that they feel threatened by the MVP becoming slight (very slightly) less prestigious? If the number of non-MVPs were large (and thus tended to destroy any sense of community) then it would be a problem, but a small number of "special guests" is a problem? I just don't see it.
C. J.
When it comes to MS technology, the most valuable player we have was here all last week.
He was not off at a conference, but our RD was...
Rory does more for MS than a negative bastard like you ever could Roy. Nobody likes a holier-than-thou, jealous critic. Shut up. I can't even begin to express how much you suck and should just be quiet and keep your stupid opinion to yourself. Fortunately this is a free country and you're allowed to express your opinion. So are Celine Dion fans. Doesn't mean they are not freaking retarded.
Morals of this story:
<1> You suck
<2> SHUT UP.
<3> DEAR GOD YOU SUCK.
As a recovering Linux bigot now discovering the wonders of .NET, I was almost getting used to the camaraderie and professionalism of the Microsoft developer community. Those vitriolic, anti-Microsoft open-source programmers were starting to seem like losers. I badly needed a dose of reality.
So, Roy, I want to thank you for reminding me that .NET people can be petty and childish too, just like open-source people. Your jealous whining was just the thing to remind me that, no matter where you go, every barrel has its share of bad apples.
This is the most out of hand thing I've ever seen. There were tons of Non MVP's at the summit, many of whom kept the beer flowing. But the part I don't get is this: I'm an MVP. I feel like I've done a good amount of work to get there. If I hosted my own party, Rory wouldn't be there b/c I don't know him at the moment and I have less money than Bill G does so I'd be hard pressed to flip the bill for him. However, I didn't host anything. I was an invitee. MS could have told me to take a hike even though I'm an MVP. There's nothing written that said MS is legally obliged to allow me to attend. As such, they can invite whoever they want. How did that Hurt me? How has that diminished the MVP program? I just don't see it.
Well, I went as well, and I'm certainly not an MVP or press. I didn't hear anyone kicking up a stink about me.