>>>But since you raised the question of "cost to $$$" as a measure of the person's true devotion, I'd like to know your opinion.
>
>After all this time, still the straw man attempts?! Puh-leez.

JR, you raised the issue. I asked you to elaborate. I can't force you to reply, but I can point out the irony.

>
>You show me a community "leader" who cynically counts up his contributions in the manner you suggest and I'll show you somebody who most likely is a mercenary trougher who wants to tick the boxes for another year of vendor feed. Real community "leaders" are appointed by the community, not by external vendors wanting to control the theme. You asked, so there's your answer!

Before I reply, I need to know if you truly, sincerely mean that....or if you're trying to follow in the footsteps of another forum member who was famous for posting about "shrimp buffets". :)

If it's the former, I sense a major disconnect, and I'm going to give you some specifics of many aspects of the SQL community work (and to a lesser extent, the .NET and SharePoint communities).

If it's the latter, well....at least "try" to make it funny!!! :)

And I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you of your posts in fall of 2007 about the process of the Lifetime Achievement Awards!