>>>>><snip>
>>>>>My point is still that the PUTM offer and MVP status, imo, should not be linked per se. For instance I think DenisC should get a PUTM for life because of his enormous contribution furthering the VFP line <g> Seriously there are many great contributers here, many are not MVP.
>>>>
>>>>Hi Jos,
>>>>
>>>>In thinking about this, I remembered some history.
>>>>
>>>>It may not be strictly a decision by Michel, but one that is supplemented by MS. I don't know for certain, but it is a distinct possibility.
>>>
>>>Hi George,
>>>
>>>If that is the case then UT should say so.
>>
>>Hi Jos,
>>
>>Well, that's Michel's (and Microsoft's, if it's true) decision.
>>
>>I'll be frank about this. If this is a problem with anyone, then I'll give up my free PUTM. I don't, and haven't ever, come here and try to help folks for the perks (such as a PUTM). I do it because that's my nature. I know how hard this business is, and I do try to contribute because the people who have helped me along the way told me, when I asked them how I could repay them for their time and assistance,
>
>Hi George,
>
>I think you might be missreading my post so to be sure I'll make it very clear: I do not care whether the UT gives away free PUTM to MVP's, non-MVP's, or whoever. That is not the point I am making. I was the first to congratulate UT for giving free PUTM's to worthy receipients. I think that is a very good thing to do.
>
>No one in this thread, or any other thread that I have read recently, has expressed a negative view on this so perhaps you are referring to something else?
>
>And I think essentially everyone here who helps others is driven by the statisfaction of helping rather than whether they can get a free PUTM. I for one am not spending my time here to save $150 - but then again I hinder more than help :)
>
>I do believe that members that have received so much value from great contributors here should buy a PUTM. Where else are those people going to get quality consulting for $150 a year, let alone for free? For those I am refering to and who are reading this: buy a PUTM now! Give something back to this community :)
>
>Anyway, enough said I think.

Jos,

I agree. However, right now, I'm not in a position to buy a PUTM because my youngest son is in college. Otherwise, I would.

I may be overly sensitive about this issue. About 5 years ago, this same topic came up, At the time, Michel "gave" a free PUTM to MVPs. When this was learned by the UT membership, however, there became what, IIRC, Michel said was "firestorm". against it. I don't want to see that happening again. There are MVPs, other than myself, who simply can't afford a PUTM. It isn't for myself that I'm concerned, it's for the others.