If you are a Microsoft MVP, I'd like to ask you three questions. Just
answer them and consider the question answered.

1. How much support work in the forums did you have to do to earn the
award? What kind of work was it? i.e. Answering ___ # of questions
each week?

2. Have you received anything from Microsoft in return? i.e. software,
invitation to events, swag, a plaque?

3. Are you at all bothered that Microsoft is getting great value of
your services for nearly free, or are you happy to do it? Why or why
not?

I'm aware that you're not allowed to identify yourself, but it would
help to get your state or country.

Hi, 

I am not a MVP, but aspire to be one. Let me answer your questions.

1. MVPs have done a lot of work on different forums, mostly online.
Most have answered thousands of questions on Microsoft forums, you can
check out Chris Tacke, who has posted over 2,500 times within the last
year.

http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;mvpins200405&style=flat

Offline work includes hands on experience on Microsoft products,
publishing books, leading user groups etc.

Number of questions answered per week is certainly not the only
criteria, but seems to be quite important to be overlooked.

2. Check out the "MVP Program Benefits" page.

http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;mvpprogben&style=flat

3. It is true, Microsoft is getting free services from lots of highly
qualified people, but it is surely worth the recognition. Willingness
to share knowledge with others is one of the important qualities
required in a MVP. Most people are willing to share knowledge to get
recognition in real life or online. It is important to maintain the
quality of the efforts, instead of going for highest number of posts
per week. This will help increase one's knowlegde even if Microsoft
does not recognise your efforts.