Finally put my Microsoft MVP badge (http://sumocat.blogspot.com/2008/10/so-whats-that-mvp-award-mean-to.html) up. Originally, I wanted it up in the menu area, but due to rules on displaying it (which I had not interred from other places it's been displayed), I dropped it on the sidebar instead.
Also new to the sidebar is an ad widget for Allegiance Technology Partners (http://www.alltp.com/). John Hill at ALLTP shot me an email about a new affiliate program they're rolling out, and I was more than happy to jump onboard. ALLTP specializes in Tablet PCs. I scribble exclusively on Tablet PCs and am now an MVP in that area. How could I say no? Besides, other than getting tagged as a scrapbooker (http://sumocat.blogspot.com/2005/11/im-not-scrapbooker.html), my past dealings with ALLTP (http://sumocat.blogspot.com/2005/09/got-my-1gb-flash-drive.html) have been quite favorable. Certainly there's no reseller more dedicated to the Tablet PC and its community. [+/-] Hide/Show Text [+/-] Hide/Show Text
Among the responses I received to news that I received a Microsoft MVP award was, "What the F is that?" That's actually not a joke. That's a literal, self-censored quote, and other reactions were similar, so I thought I should give an explanation with an emphasis on how it affects Sumocat's Scribbles.
1. Was the blog sold to Microsoft? No, I am still a completely free agent dedicated to the cause of ink blogging. The award is intended to recognize independents who champion a technology supported by Microsoft, in my case, Tablet PCs.
2. Are you beholden to them? No more iPhone Stuff? Nope, the award is for past performance, like my ritePen screencasts and umpteen ink blog entries. As long as watch my language and not turn into a major a------ I get to keep my award for a year.
3. How large is the cash prize? It is my understanding there are beneficial tangible aspects of the award, but no cash prize. If that is not accurate, by all means, send cash to prove me wrong.
4. So what's the big deal? I'll have access to some behind-the-scenes info, be invited to special events (online and offline, including the MVP conference), and be part of the very knowledgeable MVP community. It is also a meaningful affirmation that my 1,000+ ink entries and handful of Tablet PC-centric videos are being noticed. Tablet PCs are not the sole focus of the content, but each entry is a demonstration of ink and/or mobility, even if it's not always obvious.
5. And you'll get free stuff? Well, I'm sure I'll get to try out some software and maybe even some hardware, but I don't foresee being given a bunch of stuff. Besides my focus is Tablet PCs, so the range of stuff worth sending me is quite narrow. That said, I am in dire need of a new pen so if Wacom wants someone to review a few for an extended period of time, I'm available.
6. Any changes to the blog? I need to put my MVP badge somewhere (I was thinking about the upper right corner), but otherwise, my only plan is to keep doing what I'm doing but more of it. I should pick up the pace on videos and essays, which allow me to delve deeper into the tech, maybe put that on a regular schedule.
So to sum up: status quo will be maintained. Of course, my status quo is one of change. A new version of Build 52 is currently being envisioned. I'm thinking about location-tagging my blog entries. And I still have to establish a look for Rambles. Lots of changes in the works, but nothing I wasn't already doing, and I think that's what being an MVP is all about. [+/-] Hide/Show Text [+/-] Hide/Show Text
I can now call my friend, Warner Crocker (http://www.gottabemobile.com/Congratulations+To+Warner+Crocker.aspx), a fellow Microsoft MVP (http://sumocat.blogspot.com/2008/10/oh-fudge-guess-im-respectable-now.html), and there's no one I can thank for that more than the guy who last year named me "Best Tablet PC Blogger who should be an MVP" (http://wickedstageact2.typepad.com/life_on_the_wicked_stage_/2007/12/the-third-annua.html) (but wasn't). Who was that guy again? Oh right, Warner Crocker!
This will ruin my chance of winning that Ink Blot award from Warner again, but I think I can handle it. If not, I'll cry myself to sleep on my big Microsoft MVP award. They're in the form of pillows, right?
All kidding aside, I are truly grateful for Warner and his continued support for my little ink blogging experiment. He assuredly played a key role, if not the key role in getting me nominated and ultimately awarded. Thanks also to Hugo Ortega and Rob Bushway who have claimed my time is coming, as well as my readers, fellow inkers, and those I inspired to try their hand at ink blogging or the Tablet PC lifestyle.
I would say I won't let you down, except the award is for past performance, so I technically can't let you down, unless I already have let you down, in which case, what can I do? I'm an inker. not a time traveler.
Okay sorry, kidding kicked back in again, but you know that's now I roll, and I intend to keep on rolling that way, if a bit more responsibly. Thanks again to everyone who helped and thanks + congrats to Warner who was re-awarded today. [+/-] Hide/Show Text [+/-] Hide/Show Text
I'm so glad I didn't suspend my blog this week, else I would have been forced to backpedal on that to announce that I am a 2009 Microsoft MVP for Tablet PCs (https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx)!
