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It is based on activity and influence, mainly contributions, compared to other members in the community. The VFP team discusses and reviews the list carefully.
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As compared to other members in the community - how many members have put up and actively maintain at their own cost - web sites that have been recognized as developer communities? I can think of few people that have more influence than Rod.

As far as the team reviewing the list - I have no doubt about that. At least we can dispell the myth that opinion and politics don't play a role.

Here is a question for you: why isn't Steve Black an MVP? When you look at what he continually does on the wiki - he deserves it.

Conclusion - when we compare Michel, Ed Leafe, Rod, Carl Warner, Steve, etc. - not only is your criteria subjective and political - it is inconsistiently applied.

Again - and I want to be clear here - I send hearty congrats to those who received the award this year. Its MS's award to give and they decide who deserves it. My only gripe is the assertion on your part that opinion and politics are not a factor.

< JVP >



>>> It is clear that there is no one set of objective criteria that can be used to guage whether somebody gets the award or not. At some point - somebody's opinion is going to be THE determining factor. <<
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>This is correct. There are many factors that go into it, and they are generalized at http://mvp.support.microsoft.com. It is based on activity and influence, mainly contributions, compared to other members in the community. The VFP team discusses and reviews the list carefully.