Before launching the new Netscape I realized that Reddit, NewsVine, Delicious, and DIGG were all driven by a small number of highly-active users. I wrote a blog post about what drives these folks to do an hour to three hours a day of work for these sites which are not paying them for their time. In other words, they are volunteering their services. The response most of these folks gave back to me were that they enjoyed sharing the links they found and that they got satisfaction out of being an "expert" or "leader" in their communities.

Excellent... excellent (say that in a Darth Vadar/Darth Calacanis voice for extra impact).

That is exactly what bloggers told Brian and I three years ago when we started. Given that, I have an offer to the top 50 users on any of the major social news/bookmarking sites:

We will pay you $1,000 a month for your "social bookmarking" rights. Put in at least 150 stories a month and we'll give you $12,000 a year. (note: most of these folks put in 250-400 stories a month, so that 150 baseline is just that--a baseline).

You have seen pics of face, hands, legs, and many other parts ;). I recently had an eye exam done. Here are pics of my retinae.

Mayur Kamat

Program Manager, Windows Security 

Thanksgiving arrived and we decide to thank ourselves by Going to Canada and getting our H1 stamped. Paaji and Madhur were deliberating till the last moment and finally decided to take the plunge. Santy made sure that everybody had all the documents. Left Seattle around 12 (because Madhur and Pammi showed up late). As luck would have it, all restaurants were closed so we couldn’t eat lunch. So we departed as it is.

Stopped en route at dennys to feed our hungry stomachs. Reached Vancouver without any incidents around 4. Checked in Ramada room that Madhur had booked. One small room and 5 people, bahut naa-insaafi hai. Par kya kare.

Aaram se aalsi log so gaye. Raat ko gaye Indian Chinese restaurant. Hot n sour soup, vegetable dumplings, Manchurian kote, hakka noodles……aa ha ha. Kya lazeez khana. Ghar aake H1 documents check kiye aur so gaye.

End of day 1.

Photos uploaded at http://community.webshots.com/album/226407207LnOZVz

Mayur Kamat

Program Manager, Windows Security

I just posted a blog about MSN space on my MSDN blog. Check it out at http://blogs.msdn.com/mayurk

Mayur Kamat

Program Manager, Windows Security

Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend,
For the lesson thou hast taught!
Each role has its special function
Every one plays his part
Together we create a successful product
That everyone can be proud of

My latest blog entry (http://blogs.msdn.com/mayurk):

The Redmond PM - the whole poem

Henry Longfellow inspired me to write a whole poem on Microsoft PM, borrowing from his lovely composition The Village Blacksmith. Disclaimer - this is purely for creative purposes and no money is being made. (If someone sues me, I will plead fair use)

So here it is -

In the evergreen state of Washington
The Redmond Campus stands;
The PM, a shrewd man is he,
One of the many on this land;
And the grey cells of his sharp brain
Are lithe as rubber bands.

His spec is detailed, signed-off and long,
the whole product spectrum it span
His presentations are jazzy and fun
His scenarios as clear as they can;
And interacts with the whole team,
For he works with every man.

Week in, week out, from morn till night,
You can hear his thoughts flow;
You can see him schedule meetings,
His visio diagrams glow,
Like a rock in the sea
He faces every blow

Customers demanding new features
The requests come to his door;
He hears the product planner demand
He hears the developers roar,
Balancing the schedule and resources
Because ye dil maange more [because everyone wants more]

On weekends he takes the days off,
And parties with girls and boys;
Alls well and fun and frolic,
Till he hears his manager's voice,
New requirements, schedule resets
Adds flavor and the spice

Specing,--designing,--scheduling,
Onward through ship cycle he goes;
Each milestone sees some tasks begin,
Each RTM sees it close
Customer demanded, we provided,
Has earned a nights repose

Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend,
For the lesson thou hast taught!
Each role has its special function
Every one plays his part
Together we create a successful product
That everyone can be proud of