>Mike
>
>If the primary purpose of the MVP programme is to provide MS with cheap services, why does the award carry any kudos?
>
>There has to be more to it than that. IMHO community recognition has been a large part of the reward- an automatic recognition of special status, sort of like being called "Sir So-and-so" or "Senator Whoever".
>


If I left the impression that I think that's the only reason they created the program, I'm sorry. As you say, it is public recognition of those who are going beyond the call. It is a sign of respect both from Microsoft and the online developer community. I am very proud to have been an MVP for several years and still keep my MVP plaque on my desk.

That it helped them eliminate the need to pay employees to provide online support probably was not lost on Microsoft, though. That's all I was saying.

Mike