Hi, Leprakawn.
As Kelly said, all help in these newsgroups (also known as Discussion
Groups) is from volunteers. Some of us have been at it for so long that
Microsoft has recognized us with the Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award,
but that is based on what we've already done, not on what we are required to
do in the future.
MVPs are quite independent and we don't let MS tell us what to say or do.
Microsoft doesn't owe us a paycheck because we don't work for MS. We work
for computer users, most of whom use Microsoft products, especially Windows.
Many of us also spend time in other newsgroups that have nothing to do with
Microsoft directly, although it's hard to discuss personal computers these
days without mentioning Microsoft.
In fact, we are just computer users - like you! If you read the MVP bios at
http://www.microsoft.com/communities/MVP/MVP.mspx, you will find a common
history in most of them. It goes something like this: "I had a computer
problem. Finally, I found the Microsoft newsgroups. I posted my question
and got my answer. But, while I was waiting, I saw someone else had posted
a question I could answer, so I did. Soon that poster reported that my
advice worked, that I was a GENIUS, and thanked me. I was hooked! I've
been helping out in the newsgroups ever since. I'm glad Microsoft gave me
the MVP award, but I would be doing the same things without it."
Your offer of a petition is flattering, but I doubt that any MVP would sign
it. ;^} But feel free to let (e-mail address removed) know that you appreciate
the Microsoft public newsgroups and the MVP program.
In a newsgroup, we all learn from each other. Read a few messages here and
I'm sure you'll find some questions that you can answer. For free. Try it;
you'll LIKE it! ;<)
RC
