I have been granted a tremendous honor by Microsoft and I want to share it with the community that made it all possible. I was notified in the middle of October that I had been nominated and selected to receive a Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals Award in the Xbox field. You can learn more about the program
here.
When I received the news I did not know much about the program. I have since learned quite a bit and have come to realize that it is a huge honor to have received the award. The award is briefly described as follows:
(QUOTE): Microsoft?s Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) are recognized, credible and accessible individuals with expertise in one or more Microsoft? products who actively participate in online and offline communities to share their knowledge and expertise with other Microsoft customers. Customers want an enriched pool of knowledge and real-life experience to tap for advice and feedback. MVPs are helping to satisfy this need by independently enabling customers in both online and offline technical communities. Customer feedback is vital to product development and R&D. The MVPs represent an important part of this feedback loop by providing another link for Microsoft to listen to the customer.
The Most Valuable Professional Program is the way that Microsoft formally acknowledges the accomplishments of these individuals for their contributions to community. It is focused on fostering a vibrant global community where Microsoft and customers learn about each other through valued ongoing relationships. The key strategies the program employs are:
-> Recognize and engage with MVPs worldwide?Identify, enable and empower community influencers through a consistent quality customer relationship with Microsoft that spans product groups, services, and field organizations.
-> Improve customer connection and satisfaction?Recognize more customers for their efforts and improve the quality of the experience on their turf and in their language.
-> Drive program excellence
-> Professionalize services, customer offerings and worldwide roles and responsibilities to become more predictable and accountable to both internal and external Microsoft community customers.
The MVP Program, in existence for over eleven years, is represented by over 2,600 MVPs in 81 countries. (END QUOTE)
Link
To accept the award I had to sign a couple of NDA's (Non-Disclosure Agreements), but by doing so I will have access to many opportunities to gain information for the community. I will be able to learn about products and games currently in development and have the opportunity to attend an MVP summit next year where Bill Gates will be providing the keynote speech.
This award could not have been possible without the support of this community. I want to thank the gamers who nominated me and Microsoft for granting me this award and thank all of you for making it possible. I am hopeful that I will be able to bring more exclusive and fresh information to PreGameLobby.com. There may be times when I will have access to information that is not ready for public consumption. Oftentimes leaks happen and I will not be able to confirm or deny the information. I will, however, pass on information as soon as I receive the green light to do so.
I am also now a moderator at the Xbox.com forums so if you see anyone getting out of line, let me know!
In reference to its gaming division, Microsoft has attempted to focus its efforts on the gaming community. This is apparent in its many community parties and the interaction by Microsoft employees and agents with communities such as ours. You all know that our community is extremely important to me. In this way, Microsoft and I seem to be on the same page. While Microsoft has recognized me for my contribution to the Xbox world in the past, I intend to continue to foster growth within the PreGameLobby.com community and to help fellow gamers everywhere.
I would like to thank Microsoft for providing me with the MVP award. I would also like to thank the members of PreGameLobby.com for making it possible.
that your hard work is apreciated. I'll let these other guys that know your better get more "mushy" about it. Don't forget about us over at Xbox.com 
Congragulations
