SQL Server MVPs–Thank you for what you do!
I follow the blog and/or Twitter of many of the SQL Server MVPs and to be blunt this is a truly amazing group of professionals. Their passion for SQL Server is undeniable. Their desire to expand their already deep knowledge of the product is unsurpassed. And their unselfish generosity to share their knowledge with others is inspiring.
The amount of time they spend preparing for events, traveling to events and @ events is surpassed by few. I wish I could name names but since I don’t follow all MVPs it just isn’t fair to single some of them out. I think the ones that I would name here know who they are. And yes, BrentO I would name you! And yes Buck Woody, if you weren’t an MS employee, I would name you too! I didn’t say that MVPs don’t have an ego!
Being on the product side of the equation I often get to see a different side of the MVPs. The side I get to see is still passionate about the product but it possess another element, one that some MVPs verbalize publically but many save it for the product group. That side is honest and critical of the product. I relish this as I always know I’m getting the real deal from them.
For the benefit of the product and the community the critical side is equally as important as the unselfish evangelism.
If you’re an MVP I whole heartedly salute you and all that you do. If you’re not an MVP and you’re passionate about the product and the community I challenge you to become one. Becoming an MVP is not formulaic. If you want to learn more about what it means to be an MVP and some inside tips for how to become one take a look at the following resources on SQL Server Central:
www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Editorial/70426/
www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/andy_warren/archive/2008/7/13/what-is-an-mvp.aspx
www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Editorial/63587/
www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic530463-263-1.aspx
From my perspective (take it at face value) if you’re passionate about SQL Server, if present at as many conferences as you possibly can (I know this is tough with work and family), participate in the community (User Groups, Blogs, Twitter, Forums, etc) you will get yourself noticed and that’s essential. Through this you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the product. Through this you will attract attention. And through this you may find yourself nominated to be a SQL Server MVP. I truly hope some day to see your name on the nomination list.
I have a high degree of respect for all SQL Server professionals. I have a special place in my heart for SQL Server MVPs. And to the SQL Server MVPs I say thank you!
Comments
Anonymous
October 17, 2010
The passion is on both sides - no one doubts that the SQL Server team works hard to make a great product. Thanks to you and your teams for all they do.Anonymous
October 17, 2010
Wow, sir, what a way to start the morning! I'm humbled. It's truly an honor to make a living working with SQL Server - not because of the product, but because of all the cool people in the community both outside AND inside Microsoft. Thanks for reaching out and having fun with us.Anonymous
October 18, 2010
Here is a link to the official MVP page too: mvp.support.microsoft.com I fully agree, having worked with MVPs for a long time now, their passion and brilliance is amazing.Anonymous
October 18, 2010
What an honor, Dan! As an MVP, I have to thank you for your extraordinary attitude. It takes hard work, a LOT of hard work, to build a culture that is open to dialog, encouraging of constructive criticism, and grateful for cooperation with the wider community. Just having you stand up and say things like this helps build and reinforce that culture within Microsoft. Having worked with other big database vendors (ahem!), I can say with certainty that the Microsoft SQL Server teams are FAR better than the rest!Anonymous
October 20, 2010
Very well said Dan!! I too consider it an honor and even priviledge to work with such a wonderful product and such a wonderful product team!