No, you don't need to be an MVP or write or speak to be qualified. I know many solid .NET developers who don't. In many (but not all) cases, they are employees. In my case, I'm an independent, so I try to integrate a level of scholarship with past project work to make myself known.

I do it for a second reason - successes I've had are largely due to authors, other MVPs, etc.

It is a big way for me to "pay it forward". In school I wanted to be a writer and a teacher.

As for JB, he is a good friend and a former co-worker. Yes, he can be a bit rough sometimes. He was brought in on a .NET project, which wouldn't have happen if they didn't feel he could get the job done.

Keep in mind, you did ask if I felt I was qualified. (Exact words: "I suppose you are putting yourself in that category?")

If you have the onions to ask that, fine, but you have to be prepared for some responses. Some people may be uncomfortable responding to a question like that, for fear of blowing their own horn, which may lead to others jumping in like it's DefCon 5.

Kevin