Create and promote a website for Access developers to list their applications and services.
MS already has a website for Access MVP's, but other ISV's, VAR's and developers who are not MVP's need a centralized place for consumers to search for a solutions provider. MS can provide a disclaimer on this website stating they're not responsible or endorsing any particular listing.
.. And while you're at it, create a separate category or page for "Access Marketing" ideas so that we don't have to mix these kinds of ideas with product improvements.
Frank Rotolo
shared this idea
Thanks for posting and for the interesting conversation.
Without taking an active part in this discussion, or making a corporate statement, I’ll just say that the Access team values our MVPs and their on-going contribution to both the product team and the broader community.
as for Frank’s suggestion – it’s a great one, and we’ll look into it. Thanks!
12 comments
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Vitiu71
commented
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Frank Rotolo
commented
@Access Team: It's been more than 3 years since I posted the idea of MS creating a website for all Access developers to list their products and services. You did add the "Access Marketing" category in this forum and I thank you for that. Can you please inquire with MS upper management if its possible to provide Access developers with a website, or a store, where we can provide products and services?.. Thank You!
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Doug Y
commented
@Frank: Thanks. I never considered the MVP profile page to be a marketing platform.
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Frank Rotolo
commented
@Joe Anderson,
I agree with everything you to told Issac.
As to your other statement
"One last note. mvp.microsoft.com is not really intended for MVPs to publish their application & services."Not really intended, but nevertheless some profiles do have promotional content. Being an MVP does have its perks and rewards, and that's cool because you all earned it, but what ever happened to the certification programs of the 1990's that MS used to offer to anyone who invested their money and time to train and take the exams? Non-MVP Access developers may feel at a disadvantage without an MS certification program, website, referral network. etc. I know several great Access developers who would like to be in the MS Partner Network. Unfortunately, its requirements are just not feasable to many.
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@Isaac
"The whole 'MVP' concept has outlasted its relevance in my opinion."
That could not be further from the truth. As already noted, anyone can potentially become an MVP If that is not your gig, fine. I have spent literally countless hours on Experts-Exchange.com since 2006 answering questions, helping the Community ... for ZERO pay. Look me up on EE.
"Many of us create 100's of apps and influence many clients' decisions"
Key word: Client = For Profit. You do not become an MVP by doing things for profit. Quite the opposite. Your 100s of apps are not helping the Community. They are helping your pocketbook."You need to hear from the community at large"
BTW ... have you heard of access.uservoice.com ?
And ... to be heard more ... maybe you should frequent one of several forums on Access, like EE or UA, et al. EE allows you to 'Be For Hire' also. So ... there you go.One last note. mvp.microsoft.com is not really intended for MVPs to publish their application & services.
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Frank Rotolo
commented
@Why (real names please?), I'm certainly using mine.. I agree with your observations of Issac's comments. Reason why I suggested we all (MS included) need to discuss the stigma issue between some MVP's and non-MVP's. I am clear as to the purpose of the MVP program, and do appreciate all the volunteer contributions they've made.
As some of you may have noticed, over the past couple of years I've been putting my two cents into helping improve and promote Access, but also highly critical of MS and some of their loyalists (sometimes even flaming) because several of us are frustrated knowing that more could be done. I'm not pursuing or expecting any MVP award, it's the price one pays for speaking out with nothing barred.
I shared with a certain person back in 1982 at Comdex Fall in Vegas. This person recently made the following statement:
"Welcome criticism. Embrace bad news to learn where you need the most improvement. While it's never pleasant to hear someone tell you how you've screwed up, without that kind of feedback, your learning process and growth will be much slower. I find listening to criticism nearly always gives me perspective that I didn't have, and that I need. Next time someone wants to chew you out, don't walk the other way. Stop, listen, thank them--and learn."
By: Bill Gates, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Microsoft.
http://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/5-success-mindsets-bill-gates-wants-you-to-learn.html
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Why
commented
Isaac, it is sad to hear such comments and makes me believe you do not understand what MVPs are. We are simply people that spend a great deal helping other users (forums, books, ...). We are not part of MS. We are not an Elite club. You, or anyone else for that matter, could become an MVP if you made the necessary contributions to the global community.
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Frank Rotolo
commented
@Doug Y:
https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/MvpSearch?kw=Access
This site allows MVP's to pretty much post anything they wish to say about themselves, including products, services, website, phone#, etc.
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Doug Y
commented
I may have missed it, but what website do MVPs have to publish their application & services that is hosted by Microsoft?
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Frank Rotolo
commented
For some time, I've noticed there's been an "Us versus Them" stigma between MVP and non-MVP's, and I strongly feel this needs to be addressed by all of us, Microsoft included. Whether we're MVP's or not, we're all rowing in the same boat and should be treated equally with mutual respect!
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Luke
commented
It's important to create an environment where developers can profit from creating solutions on it and users can benefit from getting things for no cost or much less cost than building it themselves. Windows was successful because of that originally. Apple became successful because they were able to attract developers through their store. Same for Android and even XBox. But Windows and Office have never had that and as a result, the cost of finding and attracting customers is too high for developers to start. With such a high barrier to entry, they can't devote the time and resources to take Microsoft products and Access further. Fostering a healthy 3rd party community is critical to the success of a development platform.
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Isaac
commented
I this this is a great idea. The whole 'MVP' concept has outlasted its relevance in my opinion. I think it had value and still has value, but limited. Like any elite club, those who are well connected and known in the inner circles primarily just vote for and support each other. You need to hear from the community at large, not just the extremely select few who have invested their time & years in selling themselves and their reputation. Many of us create 100's of apps and influence many clients' decisions, but have little to no interest in the MVP club. MS is doing themselves a disservice by excluding the larger voice from being heard.
