I’ve been working with the community for years, spreading the good word about Microsoft products and helping the community, and it’s finally paid off: I’m an MVP!
I’ve been recognized for the work with the Microsoft product that’s closest to me – literally. Check out these pictures of my office over time:
My Office in 2003
My Office in 2004
My Office in 2007
My Office in 2009
Spot what they have in common? While my office has moved from town to town, and while I’ve switched workstations from IBM to Dell to Apple, my love for Microsoft ergonomic keyboards has remained solid as a rock.
Years ago, I suffered from the symptoms of RSI, the disease formerly known as Carpal Tunnel. I type a lot, and I type extremely quickly, and those two things spelled trouble for my wrists. While using non-ergonomic keyboards, my pain increased to the point where I had to take ibuprofen regularly just to get through the workday.
After switching to the first Natural Keyboard, I felt less pain within a few weeks, and the pain was completely gone after just two months. Typing became a joy again. Microsoft enabled me to get my job done and stay in touch with my friends and family without resorting to sign language or, even worse, verbal communication. Whether when I’m writing about how to become an MVP or about how my Windows friends keep getting viruses and sticking me with the bill, I’m doin’ it on a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard – the very best input device in the world.
Microsoft has recognized my silent, enduring work with the community by honoring me with the title of Microsoft Natural Keyboard MVP. I was completely shocked and flattered, and I’m going to take today off to celebrate.
UPDATE April 1: I’m afraid there’s been a bit of a scandal. It turns out that the MVP Committee searched the internet and found a picture of my cubicle with an Apple keyboard. They confronted me, and they asked if I ever cybered with the Apple keyboard. While I categorically deny those accusations, I will admit that I’m probably not the best spokesperson for the Microsoft input device community at this time, and I’ve given up the Microsoft Natural Keyboard MVP award. I apologize for those who I’ve hurt, and I will do my best to do right by the community. I’ve entered a 104-step recovery program, and Microsoft’s offered the assistance of Lauren to help me shop for a new keyboard.
I see the “aprilfools” tag, but I’m still believing it – you’ve done wonderful work with us on Stack Overflow!
Here’s to hoping you someday become one, although you might just have to dumpster dive w/ Lauren to get it
Pfft – I’m already cringing at reading the comments on Jeff’s post about the database outage. I feel for you guys – a million armchair quarterbacks out there!
… today real life posts are impossible to found…
Still stuck in snow? It’s raining here…
Again, riding the line that makes us wonder if you’re serious? Just like 2010 features leaked.
Good job. I’m not one of those that is quick on the uptake. I practically had to have it explained to me that Bruce Willis was a ghost and had been for the whole movie.
Congrats Brent!!!
This was great. Thanks for the laugh!
BLAAAAAAA!
Thanks for the laugh Brent, but I actually feel bad because I think you deserve to be made an MVP.
Here’s to hoping you will be someday.
At least Grant’s MVP is real, I think
http://scarydba.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/mvp/
You’ll get yours someday, Brent, unless Microsoft becomes a competitor of Quest
I am actuall a double agent. No Zune, no windows mobile, no windows live on search bar. I EVEN want to buy a MAC and NOT have Parallels installed! Windows 7 was installed on my other notebooks so I could actually have a box that would talk to my old scanner! Vista x64 vendor drivers for scanners – mission impossible. Does apple have an MVPness program? If I traded my blackberry in for an iphone would they let me in. I would probably have to update my wardrobe, and get a cool kid haircut. MS does make a swank keyboard though. – how can I join the Ergo Keyboard MVP group? I’ve got chiropractic receipts!
Dude, you have to try the Arc. I’m on the same natural keyboard as you right now, but at work, I much prefer the new Arc – check it out