Well, you can tell it's MVP time again, the usual backbiting, patronizing comments from those with seriously over-inflated egos you know the kind of thing. Anyway, I've said before I'd love to be awarded an MVP but I'll probably never get one, and that's fine too...
I've always been concerned about the whole MVP thing, there seem to be a lot of mixed messages out there and I haven't seen anyone clear it up, there's just too many MVPs who just seem to be on the list because they either work at large Microsoft target companies (so sales driven appointments), push products targeted at Microsoft Technologies (PR driven appointments), who've written a couple of books (targeted at getting them to write more I suppose) or are paid to speak  about MS technologies (unofficial evangelists).
I've never really understood that - arent's these people supposed to be the 'people's champions', providing support to the community yadda yadda...from the site:
Q2: Why does the award exist?
A2: Microsoft believes that a robust, interactive user community is key to helping customers maximize the solutions and benefits from their software investments. The MVP Award is the way Microsoft recognizes those participants who have made a highly positive impact in the technical and product communities in which they participate. Microsoft wants community participants and leaders to know that their contributions are greatly appreciated. The MVP Award exists as a way to reach out to and thank outstanding members for their past participation and willingness to help others in these communities, both online and offline.
Cool - unfortunately there's just too many who from my viewpoint don't seem to meet any of these requirements...maybe it's time to lose some MVPs? Maybe the partner program could be extended to include the businesses who contribute to Microsoft but don't really give back to the community??? Oh, and include more fat scottish guys as MVPs...that'd be nice 