What does MVP mean to you?I am pleased to receive such an honorable award. I am a writer by profession and write articles for computer magazines and guidebooks. Many of the books that I have written have focused on Microsoft Excel, which is my specialty. To be awarded MVP in recognition of my work and past achievements is indeed a pleasure for me. If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft, what would it be?I would ask Steve, "How do you think people’s lifestyles will change by the end of the next decade?" I think the age has passed in which computers are used only to accommodate certain hobbies or for academic calculation. I believe that there is both opportunity and demand to develop a new computer that would address the needs of people’s lives in a more holistic fashion. Given this assertion, what should Microsoft plan for the future? I would love to discuss our dreams for the near future with him. What do you think the best software ever written was?Definitely Microsoft Excel. Although many examples of spreadsheet software have been introduced in the recent past, no other spreadsheet software appeals to as many people as Microsoft Excel. This software is useful as a numeric calculation tool, but also provides database utility, creates documents, and has numerous other applications. Whether you are a beginner or an expert – the more you use it, the more you will discover and enjoy its unlimited potential. In my opinion, Microsoft Excel is absolutely necessary and should be standard software in any current computer. If you were the manager of Microsoft Office - Excel, what would you change?If I were the manager, I would rewrite the entire Help utility. As a writer, I care about how comprehensible the text is, and find that the current Help utility is far from being easy to understand. I realize that there are probably reasons for its current construction, and in fact, I have noticed some dramatic improvement, but I believe there is still room for improvement. | If you were given unlimited data bandwidth, what would you do with it?I would create my own file search engine software. I often search my hard disk drive for past manuscripts and documents that I have saved for reference, but it is such a waste of time. I would like to create the ultimate search system that would enable me to easily find the document that I need. What was the last book you read?"Mean Gene" by Terry Burnham and Jay Phelan. This book explores the human inability to resist the attractions of sex, money, and food – asserting that these dependencies are genetically determined rather than being a conscious choice. As a person who has weaknesses, I felt a little better after reading this book. What music CD do you recommend?I would recommend "Djangology" by Django Reinhardt, who is a legendary guitarist. This is a great CD that is suitable for background music. What makes you a great MVP?Through a spreadsheet tournament in which I participate as a judge, I have been encouraging others in the community to have "a good relationship with spreadsheet software" for eight years. This spreadsheet tournament is hosted by a computer magazine, and participants are asked to create a spreadsheet that satisfies specific requirements. We receive more than 5,000 entries each year, and I evaluate all of them by myself. I am responsible for selecting the most excellent submission from 5,000 entries, but an excellent spreadsheet does not necessarily have to include a difficult function or trick. Rather, I feel that a piece that explores the nature of creating a chart demonstrates true elegance and beauty. | What’s in your computer bag?Within my computer bag I keep a notebook to jot down ideas whenever they occur to me. I also keep a magazine on hand that I can read when I need to fill time and have a supply of chewing gum in order to help me stay awake during meetings. What’s the best thing that has happened since you’ve become an MVP?I think the most significant moment was when my daughter said, "Congratulations." When I am busy, I often leave home for several days, and though I do not always have the time to be the best father to her, she always gives me a hug with a smile. She is my treasure. Therefore, her compliment brings me more happiness and is more significant than any medal that I could receive. What is your motto?"Those who make an effort do not always succeed, but those who succeed are certainly making an effort." Who is your hero?Though I am not quite sure I would refer to them as my heroes, I greatly appreciate my father and mother for bringing me into the world. In a way, my daughter, who always gives me courage and comfort, is my hero also. What does success mean to you?I think success is something that can only be recognized after it has occurred. The accomplishments that must be realized to determine "success" differ according to the values and specialties of each person. Also, the meaning of "success" could be different depending on the person who evaluates it. However, I believe the most important element is to make the effort to achieve "success." If you continue to make an effort and find gratifying achievement when you consider your past, then I think that constitutes "success." The success itself should not be the goal. |
