WoWoWo :O
Surprised. Puzzled. Amazed. These are the words that define better my current feelings.
However, while writing these lines I’m just realizing I have a blissful smile, or maybe just a stupid smile. Why? Because I just received an email from Lisa Feigenbaum (Microsoft Community Program Manager) with this message:
“Congratulations on being awarded C# MVP of the Year based on your contributions in 2011!”
That’s amazing, and sincerely, totally unexpected. And I’ve no idea what this means but it sounds great xD
Another MVP or something more?
For the last 9 years I have been awarded a Microsoft MVP, and believe me, that’s something very important for me. Maybe not for being recognized as an ‘expert’ (it is hard to use that word while there are so damn good people out there), but because they recognize the work of helping the community.
So now, in a private survey all the C# MVPs around the world and the product team have decided to recognize my contributions with the ‘C# MVP of the year’ award, whatever that means.
Well. Will see :)
On the next March 2nd there will be an honorary dinner sponsored by S. Somasegar (“Soma”), Senior Vice President of the Developer Division at Microsoft, with other executives and community leads in the division. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend because I come back from Seattle the same day in the morning. Nevertheless I promise you while I am in Seattle I’ll try to have a beer with some of these guys.
From here I’d like to congratulate the rest of the winners (there are 29 in all categories) and thank all my colleagues. Hey people, you’re great!
Kind regards from Andorra,
Microsoft MVP of the Year - WTF is this?
EDITED (a few years later, info from Microsoft)
The Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) of the Year award is a special recognition given by Microsoft to exceptional MVPs who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to the community during a particular year. While being an MVP is already a prestigious recognition, being named MVP of the Year is an even higher honor.
What Makes Someone an MVP of the Year?
- Extraordinary Community Contributions:
- Providing significant, high-impact contributions to the technical community.
- Writing influential articles, developing popular open-source projects, delivering impactful talks, organizing major community events, etc.
- Leadership and Influence:
- Demonstrating leadership within the community, inspiring others, and promoting knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
- Collaboration with Microsoft:
- Actively engaging with Microsoft teams to provide valuable feedback and help improve Microsoft technologies.
- Consistency and Passion:
- Showing consistent dedication and passion for helping others throughout the year.
How Is It Awarded?
The MVP of the Year award is usually announced during major MVP events, such as the MVP Global Summit or MVP Open Days. Microsoft identifies these top contributors from all MVPs across various categories (Azure, Developer Technologies, Office Apps, Windows Development, etc.).
What Does It Mean?
Being named an MVP of the Year is a recognition of outstanding contributions to the technical community. It acknowledges not just expertise, but also leadership, generosity, and passion for helping others in the tech community.

Resistance is futile.