I'm pleased as punch to announce that I've been named a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) again this year, for the 11th consecutive year. I'm an MVP in the "Windows DDK" area. That stands for "driver development kit", which is what I use to write device drivers.

The MVP award is given to folks who help propel Microsoft towards its goal of world domination, either by writing books, by giving lectures, by leading user groups, or by answering questions in newsgroups and web forums. My specialty is the latter; I have a disease which renders me unable to prevent myself from answering questions in technical newsgroups.

It's an honor, because you can't "apply" for membership; you can only be named an MVP if other MVPs nominate you for the award. The toys are pretty cool, too; I get a free copy of MSDN Universal, access to private MVP newsgroups, and a $150 shopping spree at the Microsoft company store.

So, thanks very much, Microsoft. I appreciate it.