What does MVP mean to you?
I regard MVPs as people who not only know how to use software but
also share their expertise (and their love of the software) by
helping others learn how to use it effectively. This is what I try
to live up to as an MVP - trying to help people and pass along my
love of software. I have been an MVP since 1999, and my experience
keeps getting better - especially now that awareness of the program
has grown and I have gained more respect within the community.
If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft,
what would it be?
I would ask Steve, "Do you ever want to call in ‘sick’ because you
do not want to go to work?" And if he answered "No," I would then
ask, "What makes Microsoft such a great place to work and an
inspiration to come to work each day?"
What do you think the best software ever written was?
Back in the early days, there were many innovative programs that did
amazing things with the hardware that was available, but I still
think Microsoft Windows XP is the best software ever written. In the
beginning, computers were tailored to "geeks," and it was not
unusual to spend more time configuring the computer than actually
using the programs. Microsoft Windows XP helps to bring
configuration and ease-of-use to a level that the average person can
tolerate, which gives everyone the opportunity to use computers.
Even though users who are less experienced and less knowledgeable
are responsible for a large percentage of viruses and trojaned
computers that affect all of us, bringing computing to their level
is well worth those annoyances because it puts everyone on equal
footing. The experts just have to make a greater effort to teach all
users how to safely use computers.
If you were the manager of Microsoft Outlook, what would you
change?
I would add a "to-do" task that people could use with different
types of software (i.e., Netscape calendar software). Also, I would
make Microsoft Outlook more compatible with other calendaring
programs. Generally, Microsoft Office has seen much progress since I
first used Microsoft Office 4.3 many years ago; however, there is
still room for improvement. For instance, I would like to change
many of the long-standing bugs and fix them so features work like
users expect them to work. I would also continue on the path toward
improving the interaction between the various Microsoft Office
family programs and improve collaboration at smaller sites and SOHO
locations where servers are not in use. |
If you were given unlimited data bandwidth, what would you do
with it?
With unlimited data bandwidth, I would fill my office with servers
to host my Web sites in-house and provide hosting services for small
businesses. A lot of small business people are intimidated by some
of the services available because they are not familiar with the
terminology. I would like to assist them in a way so that they
become more comfortable with technology without feeling awkward or
helpless.
What was the last book you read?
The last book that I read was Dr. Seuss’ "The Cat in the Hat" to my
three grandsons (ages 3, 18 months, and 6 months). The most recent
non-computer adult book that I read was "Redemption" by Karen
Kingsbury and Gary Smalley. I prefer mysteries, but my mom said it
was a good read and I was not disappointed.
What music CD do you recommend?
I like listening to music by the Steve Miller Band - it brings back
memories of my youth.
What makes you a great MVP?
I like to think that I excel as an MVP because I like to help people
solve their problems. It is very satisfying to help users who cannot
explain their problems using the proper terminology. When I figure
out what they are talking about and offer a solution, I feel as
though I have solved a mystery. |
What’s in your computer bag?
I like to keep my computer bag light, so it only contains a Tablet
PC, a global positioning system, a USB key, a digital camera, and an
MP3 player.
What’s the best thing that has happened since you’ve become an
MVP?
The best experience that I have had as an MVP was attending the
Microsoft Office 2003 launch in New York City as a guest of
Microsoft. Some of the highlights of my trip included a boat tour
around the island with several friends and an MVP from Australia,
and walking for miles around Times Square and the lower part of
Manhattan - -I walked so much that I had blisters on the bottoms of
my feet! It was my first trip to New York City and I hope it will
not be my last!
What is your motto?
"Walking will never kill you - unless you get hit by a car." I
started saying this to my kids when they complained that I parked in
the first space I found instead of driving around looking for a
closer parking space. Now they call me occasionally when they see a
car-pedestrian accident and say, "You know how you always say
walking will never kill you"
Who is your hero?
I consider my parents to be heroes. I grew up on a small dairy farm
and learned the importance of hard work and compassion through
caring for the animals that provided our income. Our house was
always full of laughter and good food, welcoming anyone who visited.
My husband and I also did our best to make sure we raised our
children in a house full of laughter, hospitality, and good food.
Unfortunately, I am not nearly as good at cooking as my mother.
What does success mean to you?
I consider success to be a loving family and a house full of
grandkids. |
