The SysOps have been privately discussing the current state of affairs regarding MVPs, PUTM, Blue Envelopes, etc., that have been overly [IMHO] consuming bandwidth here lately. Some things are confidential, but other points can be summarized, and hopefully, put this to rest.

First, I am going to quote and paraphrase 2 pertinent posts from Ed Rauh and George Tasker taken from some of the other threads:

The question here is, "Do you feel that you get sufficient value for your money to justify the expense of a PUTM membership?" If you do, then I'd urge you to renew. If you don't, then don't renew. Whether or not we, as MVPs, get a free PUTM shouldn't enter into the equation at all. The only thing that should is whether or not it is in your best interest.

MVP status doesn't change the value of the answers provided by the people who got the award. [D]id the value of [an MVPs] messages [posted before they became an MVP] change [once they became an MVP]?

The course that I would suggest here is if you feel that MVPs should get free PUTMs, then let Michel know privately (I'm sure he'll hate me for this one < g >). However, if anyone feels that we shouldn't, then they should also express this feeling to him privately.

END QUOTE/PARAPHRASE

The point here is that two decisions were made based on member input, and several threads. One of the threads was the war over basic and premier membership about 2 months ago. The other threads were from the last 2 to 3 weeks.

Many MVPs did not want to be distinguished by a blue envelope. I thought it was nice recognition for them, but I respect their wishes as should everyone else.

The decision for not renewing the policy of providing free PUTM to MVPs was primarily based on feedback [public and private]. There were those MVPs who still payed for PUTM before this change because the value they realized from their membership. There were complaints on both sides about who should and should not pay, envelope colors, special treatment, nannie, nannie, boo, boo, Johnny has more candy than I do. :^)

The management of this site was in a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. As a result of all this turmoil, there is now only 1 distinction between all members -- those who pay and those who do not. The goose that laid the golden eggs is now ready to eat.

How much value have you received from this site? The cost of PUTM is about what I charge for 1 hour in my personal business. I have recoverd that cost 10 times over [annually] just from the information here alone. Not to mention the discounts I have gotten from Hentzenwerke, Stonefield, etc.

As SysOps, we may have been too light handed in jumping in to slap people on the wrist and tell them to play nice. Our job is NOT to stifle ideas, thought, etc. We respect the right of everyone to voice their opinions.

Moral of the story: be careful what you ask for, you just may get it.