Tell us who you are?
I am simply put a professional GEEK and Gadget nutter (I have a remote for my remote) which is probably why it was inevitable that I have ended up working for Microsoft in the MVP program. I came from the development environment where I was a C# MVP and ran the South African .Net community called sadeveloper.net for many years. These days I spend most of my time engaging with MVPs, attending tweetups, creating community opportunities and whenever I get the chance riding my motorcycles.

What country(s) do you look after?
I look after MEA (Middle East & Africa) as a whole and along with a great chap by the name of Baransel we look after around 20 countries that have MVPs residing in them.

Tell us about how you came to work for Microsoft?
I was heading up one of South Africa’s leading communities and we were starting to expand into the academic space. This is when Microsoft and I become more interested in each other and I came to work for Microsoft as an Academic Manager sharing the great Microsoft products with students in the many Universities in South Africa.

Tell us about why you chose to work for the MVP program at Microsoft?
You know what they say, ”Once an MVP, always and MVP”, sort of like “One a community person, always a community person”, so when the opportunity arose to get involved in the MVP program I just could not resist and fortunately for me the program decided that I was worth the effort so here I am.

What do you do in order to keep up with MVPs?
I drink a lot of energy drinks, actually I think across 20 countries it can be considered an almost impossible task, but I’m enjoying trying. So its a full inbox, RSS feeds everywhere Twitter links, facebook links, LinkID links and so forth. Lots of Beta testing as well, it’s great to experience this phase along with MVPs, even if I seem a little old hat to the modern geeks.

What do you feel when you are working with MVPs?
Mostly Awe, the energy and passion of MVPs never seems to end, I have the highest respect for the MVPs. I’m not sure if that is boasting or not, but having been an MVP in the distant past I understand the efforts that go into all the community work they do.

What do you do when you are not working?
I’m not sure there is such a thing when you involved in IT and especially the social media side of it. But whenever I get the chance I spend time with my family, they are key to my survival on this planet. Also I enjoy running a self-help bike and car workshop called the Grease Monkeys. I enjoy learning new skills in different fields to my job.

If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question, what would it be?
When you started Microsoft with Bill, what did you think would be the outcome of the adventure? Did you ever imagine what we see today, and how many of the original company ideals are still being acted out today?

“MVP Global Summit” If you were an MVP would you still attend and why?
Oh yes, even if I missed everything else I would make a plan to get to summit, the engagements are out of this world, the networking opportunity & knowledge share is beyond all your years of study.

What in your mind makes a great MVP?
Sharing and caring: I often say it’s not necessary what you know in life that is important but what you do with it, and knowledge is like water, if it’s not flowing it goes stagnant, MVPs are never stagnant.

What you think about the MVP’s role in promoting technology in your region?
Crucial: That’s why they called MVPs, they give of themselves for the technology they love, they are critical and question everything, and thus they are independence experts giving real world answers.

What is in your computer bag?
Let’s check quickly, other than the usual notebook, I carry my Poken (www.poken.co.za) I love this device, my UC headset, External HD, Flash Drive, camera, Zune and I think I have a pen in there somewhere. No wonder it’s so heavy.

If you get a chance to suggest one conference in your region? What would it be and why?
TechEd, all the TechEd’s, we have TechEd Africa and now TechEd ME and every second year techEd Israel. But I’d say to MVPs go as speakers, ATE, community lounge organisers, that way you have more fun and you add value to the event . Microsoft event organisers are you listening?

Tell us a story from your experiences that have impacted you?
So many, how do I choose? One that does come to mind is a few years back MVP Sureen organised the first dev event in Kuwait. I was planning to attend but due to things beyond our control count not. This did not phase her plans and we set up a remote session so I could speak and be part of the keynote from South Africa, AND IT WORKED!

I think what sticks with me here, is anything is possible if you willing to take the risk, here we were doing bi-direction video and audio from Kuwait to South Africa (countries known for bandwidth challenges) but we went for it anyway and it was enjoyed by all.

Which was the last book you read?
Eragon Brisingr, hey I need a break from technical books now and then, in fact my one bike is named Brisingr.

If there was one place you could travel to, right now, where would it be and why?
Jerusalem, I have visited Israel several times but every time something happens preventing me from visiting Jerusalem.

How can one be a part of MVP Club? Any suggestions for them?
Start the sharing mentality, go out and share your knowledge and passion for technology, it’s how you share and promote others that sets you apart from everyone else.

Where can people go to see what your MVPs are up to?

• http://ruariplint.spaces.live.com/
• http://www.microsoftfeed.com
• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7860865604
• http://blogs.msdn.com/mvpawardprogram/
• Twitter tags: #mea #mvpbuzz

Any Message you want to give to the readers of MicrosoftFeed?
Get involved, join the fun, help promote the things happening in MEA!!

Your contact information?

• Blog / Website – http://ruariplint.spaces.live.com/
• Twitter – http://twitter.com/ruariplint
• Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/ruariplint
• LinkedIn – http://za.linkedin.com/in/ruariplint

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