> > Is there anything to stop someone from "forgetting" to remove the letters "MVP" from things such as their website/email signature, etc.?
> >
> > The advantage to Microsoft of renewing the awards annually is that as well as allowing their MVPs to retire, should any of them happen to develop an attitude that isn't in keeping with the party line, they can simply "forget" to re-award when the honour expires.
>
> hi Chris,
>
> As i said before in my previous response, it require huge amount of giving (time and technical information posting to help others) and as Barbara Stated, it could take years before they notice you, so I see it not acceptable to remove MVP from a person, if he did not just post the right MB of data/year. but if he leavs the party line as you said, it will be another subject.

I suppose then it is safe to say that you would agree with me when I say that the award of MVP status should be similar in nature to a degree, in that you earn it once, it does not expire, and it is only taken away under specific conditions ("conduct unbecoming", etc.) - you work hard to earn it, so you should screw up really badly to lose it).

From another perspective, I can see why MS might not want to endow someone with the benefits that come with being an MVP on a permanent basis, and why expiry might be desirable to them, but I'm not entirely comfortable with it.