Becoming an MVP

[jakkjakk]

Hi Guys,
I was wondering if someone could tell me how to become a Microsoft Valuable Programmer? What do you have to do?

From my research it seems like it is more of an elected position where the MVP community sees fit that you have done enough in the Microsoft world that they deem you fit to be an MVP. But they don't exactly say what you have to do. It seems like you have to keep helping people, but don't exactly say when you could become an MVP.

Would anyone like to share thier story on how they became an MVP? I'd be very interested in that story starting from the first step that put you on the path to becoming an MVP and the last step you took before you recieved your MVP title.

It's something I'd like to get recognized for. I think I"m a pretty good programmer, but how good do you have to be to get MVP?

[techgnome]

there's not a lot that can be said about it. We're under tight NDAs. As it is, I'm not sure how much of the process can discussed publicly. I'll get back to you on that.

-tg

[si_the_geek]

As this isn't about an ASP.Net issue it does not belong in the ASP.Net forum - thread moved to 'General Developer' forum.

To start with it is not "Microsoft Valuable Programmer", but "Most Valuable Professional".

Your research is about right, and almost nobody (not even existing MVPs) knows much more than that. The only extra I can say is that helping people takes many forms, including replying to questions, posting tutorials/FAQ/CodeBank items/etc, speaking at relevant events (such as presenting something at a VB user group), and more.

I have nominated a couple of people, and all we do is give contact details and link to samples of their 'work'.

After that it is entirely down to Microsoft, who decide whether the award is given based on what the person has done in the previous year. The info they give about it is here: http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/gp/mvpbecoming

[gep13]

Hey,

Thanks for the link si. I have actually wondered about this process myself.

Gary

[jakkjakk]

apparently to the link above you can nominate yourself. Anyone ever do that?

[techgnome]

didn't even know that was an option.

-tg

[danasegarane]

As for as I know you have to contribute to the Community Members with effective answers on Microsoft Technologies . You can nominate your self by filling that form from that location and send it to MVP Lead of your region..

[RobDog888]

Remember that its awarded for your past years efforts. I see you joined in June here but are you a heavy contributor on other community sites for at least a year?

[gep13]

Hey,

Out of interest Rob, what do you class as a "heavy" contributor?

Gary

[RobDog888]

Well I would guage it based upon other forum mvps have and maintain as a general consensus

[DeanMc]

Like you Gep....

[dee-u]

This seem to be a good find.

[gep13]

This seem to be a good find.

Now that you mention it, I have seen that blog post before. Have bookmarked it this time for reference.

Gary

[penagate]

This seem to be a good find.

Quite a funny read... not to be taken seriously.


Edit: This bit is particularly amusing:

• DON'T be a spoiled brat if you don't like a decision Microsoft made. The Visual Basic MVP petition fiasco is a prime example. Microsoft wants responsible adults as part of their program, even if they are young.
• DON'T cause PR problems for Microsoft. It takes several good deeds to become an MVP, but one PR issue could send you packing. Taking them to task on an issue is one thing, but if Microsoft has to clean up a PR mess, you'll probably get taken out with the trash.

Navigating through to his home page, one finds this:

This is just ridiculous. First Expression web is not for developers, then it goes great with Visual Studio (which is for developers), and now they don't do custom controls that aren't signed and installed in the GAC. What the hell? Did Microsoft have ANY idea what kind of deployment NIGHTMARE that would be?
[...]
Seriously, I don't know what MS is smoking over there, but this whole Expression Web thing is really starting to feel half-assed. I never thought the DevDiv could botch something this badly.

His blog has been silent for a few years now. I wonder if he got taken out with the trash?