On May 1st, Microsoft e-mailed me to congratulate me:
Today, the e-mail was to take that away:
The basic justification given for that was that the Intune product group was not comfortable sharing NDA information with me.
My first stint at an MVP lasted only a few months before I joined Microsoft; this one ended pretty much before it even got started.
Out of Office Hours 
10 responses to “Microsoft giveth, Microsoft taketh”
This is truly sad to read. I remember when all your Ignite sessions were full beyond capacity with a crazy-long line waiting for a chance to get in (rock star status). Hopefully you will keep supporting us with your great content and insightful point of views.
😦
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This is extremely sad and disappointing from Microsoft. Your blog had been an invaluable resource on multiple occasions for our organization, and I look forward to when I see a new article from you in my RSS feed. Microsoft really dropped the ball here. #MakeMichaelMVPAgain
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Thanks for sharing this publicly. The constant “noise” of cheering from this bubble obscures the downside of the program. Almost no one (that I know) talks about the impositions and the interest driven cronyism that defines the program. Again, very much appreciated that you made it public – you have a voice.
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Truly sad news. 😦 I didn’t know you’d left Microsoft. I’m happy to re-nominate you at any time. Take care, my friend.
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I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everything you do for the community, and want to nominate you for a JVP (Jeroen Valued Professional). It doesn’t have the same ring or industry recognition (or a fancy award trophy) but you more than qualify. Thanks again for your efforts!
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As an 12 year term ex MVP, I can tell you that this program is not what it once was anyway. Unfortunately, the marketing team and the money guys got their hands on it and broke its key objective – REAL feedback from community to product and the opposite.
I have recently seen many people that do nothing more than “study” to get the MVP status. Its somewhat treated like a qualification now, instead of a community service. I have met some of the smartest AND the dumbest people in this program – exactly because of this Microsoft Madness.
Sometimes its better being on the outside. 🙂
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I honestly thought that I had been done wrong when Microsoft Denied me during the M365 conference in Orlando by sending out their denial emails at 3AM on the second day of the conference. I then had to put on a good face and attend. I went to the MVP booth and voiced my concerns with the cold and unassuming nature of which they notified me.
It fell on deaf ears. I actually spoke to some real PMs and personnel at MS that said it would get traction, but it did not. After reading this and the other comments, it just affirms my suspicion that the MVP award is not what it used to be and is just for folks to feel like part of a marketing cult at Microsoft.
Really disappointed at Microsoft. I told my MVP compadres to NEVER nominate me again. I will not accept it and for good reason. I wish them well, but the MVP is NOT for me!
What happened to you was really bad and I am glad you have a forum to share it. I support you in your efforts against the MVP program and good luck in all your endeavors!
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I thought I got screwed my Microsoft when they notified me that I was denied at 3AM on the second day of the M365 Conference. They had been marketing getting the MVP to all the attendees and then they deny me and wouldn’t tell me why. It was cold and hurtful the way they did it, but your email was even worse. They were like, “Screw You!” we don’t want you!
I voiced my feedback to some of the Senior PMs for the MVP program since I have those connections at Microsoft. The governing board just laughed and said sorry! Yes Microsoft, your MVP governing board are sorry people from your actions to my feedback!
I told all my MVP compadres to NEVER nominate me again. The program has gone downhill with no swag offerings or brand marketing given. You have to find the logo and figure it out. Sad days, and I am glad I was not awarded that crap.
IT Community Service is about helping people learn new technology and bridging that gap, not just pushing free labor to market your product.
Fool me once, Shame on YOU Microsoft.
Fool me twice…NOPE!
I do feel for your situation and support your endeavors in all things community and IT.
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The MVP program people are effectively bureaucrats implementing policies — I don’t fault them for doing their jobs, although they could certainly do it with better “bedside manner.” But yes, there are certainly a number of MVP groups where it’s not really about providing feedback, but rather turning you into a marketing person. That’s really been the case for years, even when I was an MVP PG lead approving nominations for Windows MVPs (not that I considered that — if you really want feedback, you want people who are already giving it, regardless of the form of that feedback).
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Wouldn’t surprise me if one of the requirements for MVP was to be a shill for Intune Suite.
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