What does MVP mean to you?I am humbled and honored to have been a Microsoft® MVP since 2001 (originally in the Windows® Shell/User competency and currently in the Media Center competency). While acknowledgement from Microsoft is nice, it is equally fulfilling to have community participants show their appreciation. I enjoy contributing to the community because not only do I have an opportunity to share my knowledge, but also am able to learn new things. It is especially rewarding to see people whom I have helped share their newfound knowledge with others. Asking questions of others is how I became active in the community and that is how my brother, Gary, another MVP in the Media Center category, got his start also. If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft, what would it be?Undoubtedly, technology directly affects the way we live our lives. We see Microsoft products constantly changing the way we work, live and play. As an urban planner, I would love to know how Steve envisions Microsoft products changing the way we interact with our governments, or how we plan the physical layout of our cities. Furthermore, I would like to know which forthcoming Microsoft innovations he feels are key drivers of real change in these areas, such as telecommuting and its potential for reducing demands for infrastructure such as roads and office space, or online shopping and its effect on retail locations. What do you think the best software ever written was?I would have to say Windows, on the whole, is the best software that has been written. No other software acts as an enabling platform for so many applications and hardware, especially when you consider the number of people who use it throughout the world. If you were the manager of Windows Media Center, what would you change?One of the main features of Media Center is its television-related activities. Microsoft has been criticized in markets outside of the U.S. for not providing better support with regard to local television standards. While I can appreciate the associated technological, legal and business impediments in integrating these other television standards into Media Center, I hope that Microsoft can more quickly integrate support for these standards into Media Center so that people all over the world can get the most out of their television viewing experience. | What do you think the biggest potential of Windows Media Center is?Media Center is among the products that Microsoft hopes people will use as the centerpiece of their living room experience. Though computers primarily are used for productivity-oriented activities, there is also great potential for computers to act as a gateway for entertainment activities. Where better to accomplish this than in your living room? With products such as the Xbox 360™, I think Microsoft has a compelling product line-up in its bid to "win the race for the living room." What was the last book you read?I am currently reading "Urban and Regional Technology Planning: Planning Practice in the Global Knowledge Economy" by Kenneth Corey and Mark Wilson. This book addresses two of my interests – urban planning and technology. Technology can be used in many ways to assist with the decision-making processes in planning, so being knowledgeable about these connections satisfies my general interests and also furthers my professional development. What music CD do you recommend?The CD that I am currently enjoying is The Tragically Hip’s "Yer Favourites" release from the box set "Hipeponymous." I enjoy this CD from start to finish and find that The Tragically Hip’s lyrics are a great example of a band wearing a Canadian perspective on their sleeves. Also, I would recommend any of the great Canadian indie rock bands. Lastly, as a Canadian, how could I not mention "The Hockey Song" by Stompin' Tom Connors? What makes you a great MVP?I am proactively committed to community activities and am involved in such offline communities as Silent Office and no Word. These communities are not restricted to IT professionals as I sometimes hold seminars for real end users in the region. Microsoft® Office products are often used separately, but I conduct seminars and lectures using the slogan "Let us use Office products as one system!" I always strive to cover products that usually are not covered by others and transmit information to as many people as possible. | What makes you a great MVP? I would like to think that I am a generally helpful person. By sharing my knowledge through the technical communities, I hope to benefit other people. In addition, the ability to learn from others in the community is also important to me. Often I learn new things by helping others. Whether it is narrowing down the cause or circumstances of a bug, or discovering a more effective way of accomplishing a task, I find that I can easily learn something new everyday. What's in your computer bag?Items that are constantly in my computer bag include a laptop, power supply, mouse, USB/firewire/ethernet cables, and a few USB memory sticks. Depending on the occasion, I might also have a digital camera, a portable music player, and a hard drive or a router. What is the best thing that has happened since you have become an MVP?Attending the MVP Global Summits that occur every 12-18 months in Redmond have been my greatest experiences as an MVP. Having the opportunity to meet other MVPs, Microsoft employees and others with such passion for technology in their areas of interest is something I look forward to each year. What is your motto?"Do what you enjoy, and have fun while you are doing it." Who is your hero?I cannot say that I have a hero per se. Certainly there are people whom I admire, such as Lance Armstrong because of his athletic accomplishments and his work as a spokesperson for people affected by cancer. Volunteers are another group of people whom I admire. It is amazing to witness the passion, dedication, and effort in the work that they do. What does success mean to you?To me, success is achieved when people are able to use their skills and minds, are able to enjoy their work, and are successful in having satisfying relationships and earning the respect of their colleagues and members of the community. |
