>If it was Microsoft's intention to turn people into puppets by giving them MVP awards, they certainly failed! LOL Some of the toughest questions and pressure they get comes from MVPs. The program is to recognize those who go beyond the call in providing free peer support for various Microsoft products. If MS has an ulterior motive, it is to save money by letting the user community provide most support so they don't have to pay $$ for MS employees to do that (as was the case until about 10 years ago).
>
Hi Mike (6 time MVP)

(and, I am 12) :-)

I took so hard on my words.. And, If you see some threads after this one I already appologize.. For that stupid thing.. My goal was not to point anything to the M.V.P. award itself or any most valued professional.. All of them are special.. My point is what I feel what M.S. is doing with the weapon M.V.P. on the hand..

I've been following for years what the big industry has done.. Into the path to conquer disciples.. Unisys (ex-burroughs), IBM and others always tried to create fidelity on their relationships.. Is it any problem on it ? From the point of view of industry of course not. But, from our point of view (technical users, or even end) IMO we have many..

here is my point: (my conspiracy theory for M.V.P., following Sergey's words) :)

step. 1 - to identify on the comunity who has voice on the middle.. Here is the great beggining for "some special" award

step. 2 - To give them, on special partnership, good spaces on conventions as speacher, public press, etc..

step. 3 - To turn them almost blind disciples on M.S's strategy.. The low investiment on FOX tell us, that Microsoft doesn't want what we want.. only what brings them money or not..

step. 4 - On the very personal fighting with the Oracle's owner starts a tool that arrests us totally to a single system methodology.. Here is the new brand tool named dotNet.. "Welcome M.V.Ps (new conventions, trainning, etc..) and all comunity!!"

Between any step above with see rare jewels like it was the own purchase of the Fox from M.S. (if that tool still was in the hand of the last owner, maybe we could see today what Delphi is doing here in Brazil)

Well.. If this is only a conspiracy theory.. Please, excuse me.. But, this is how I've been seen the history down here..

Regards

Claudio