6 Myths of Being an Xbox MVP
Whenever I do one of my “best of” or “top lists” features here on U360, the feedback is always great. My latest article about Xbox.com’s Super MVP feature led to some interesting emails with questions about the program. I figured I would become Deacon, the Mythbuster, for a minute to give you all yet another great read (because I love you all so dearly. (wink)
XMVPs are paid by Microsoft to spread Xbox love across the interwebs – Although I could use more money with the pay increase, the truth is that this is a myth. We’re not employees of Microsoft so we don’t get to collect a check. There are former XMVPs that have ended up gaining employment within Microsoft but that’s a different animal. Being selected doesn’t bring any bacon home to daddy.
XMVPs can’t say anything bad about Microsoft products – This of course is another myth believed about Xbox MVPs. In fact, I’m going to prove that myth wrong right now. DRM sucks on the Xbox 360! See, it’s not true. Contrary to popular belief, there are no off-limit subjects. Many of the things that play a part in selection revolve around having a strong, unbiased opinion within the community. The type of opinions are up to each XMVP individually to convey be those of the light side of the force or the dark side. It’s a choice made by each.
XMVPs are just stupid little nerds still living with their parents – Come on. How do you make the list of Top 10 Cute Boys in Gaming Journalism by being a nerd trapped at your parent’s house? There’s also an 18-year old age requirement in play that would limit the amount of XMVPs stuck at home. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but it’s just not something that’s the norm. If you haven’t guessed, this is also a myth.
You have to have a blog, a website or a podcast to be an XMVP – While it may seem that way, there are no rules that say you can only be an Xbox MVP if you maintain some sort of interweb presence. There are dozens of XMVPs and not all of them host a show or blog about the latest things in the community. Does doing more in the community by way of blog, podcast or some other means help? Of course it does but it’s not a requirement. Chalk this up as another myth.
XMVPs get free Xbox LIVE subscriptions and free consoles – Some of these myths I wish were true but they’re really just wishful thinking. Let it be known though that I’m an advocate of implementing this! I’d actually like to be the first to suggest that this be included as a perk with the selection. It only makes sense to make sure your vessel of Xbox love is properly equipped right? As it stands right now, however, free subscriptions to Xbox LIVE and free consoles aren’t a part of the deal. (unfortunately)
XMVPs are permanent members of the program – Myth. The award period of an Xbox MVP only lasts one year. If you see an XMVP for more than a year, it’s because they’ve done something equally as awesome as they did to gain the first award and were selected again. Just take me for example. I’ve been totally awesome for 2 years now but my awesomeness may run out in October and I’ll be super-power disabled returning to mere civilian status. Holy Cartridge Belt Deacon! Yeah, the thought is madness!
I hope this helps a few of you understand more about Xbox MVPs. We’re very much normal like everyone else.
March 27th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Wow, I did think that XMVP’s actually worked for MS. The reason I thought this was the way you are able to get awesome swag from Trixie and others at MS to give to us as prizes.
And, I agree that at the least you should get a free 12 month Gold subscription to LIVE for the year you are an MVP. That way, there wouldn’t be a time when you run into financial issues and can’t afford to renew your LIVE Gold status.
Now that you have dispelled some of the myths about being a XMVP, what are some of the perks?
March 27th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Deacon seems to do a lot more than a lot of the MVPs, so he better keep it for another year. For one thing, I don’t see many MVPs handing out games and stuff like Deacon does, or keeping a consistently updated site and show. There are a lot of people out there who get a lot of free stuff, and don’t give out any of it, due to their affiliation with Microsoft. Deacon gives out more stuff than Major Nelson even does, and Major gets all his stuff completely free with free shipping!
March 27th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Oops, I forgot to login.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Deac wrote:
Being selected doesn’t bring any bacon home to daddy.
Well, I got your bacon…Daddy
i couldn’t resist- lol, but that is really cool info to know and i heard many a rumor/myth that is now dispelled.
March 27th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
lol @ Danger! sorry about our show tonight sweetie! @Cleric, i get it all just to give to you guys and girls…it’s the least i can do for all the support, help and constantly putting up with me
March 28th, 2008 at 5:21 am
@jugga, perks? plenty really…moreso on a personal level though than anything else.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:51 am
There goes that Top 10 Cute Boys in Gaming Journalism again. I tell you I was robbed. Not only is Deacon an MVP, he’s a master at rubbing it in. I see how it is. You to TriXie. I’ll probably never be an MVP, but my words at The Xbox Domain are MVP enough for me. Deacon deserves every letter of that MVP. If that second myth were true then I know for sure I’m already doomed.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:58 am
[...] over at Unscripted360 wrote up a nice little article about being an Xbox MVP and some common misconceptions about it. If you didn’t know, I [...]
March 28th, 2008 at 6:26 am
lol @ Will…the Xbox Domain has a lot of flava because of you my friend
March 29th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Yer but it is still cool to be an MVP though
March 30th, 2008 at 4:12 am
@ Deaconblade: Really? And I thought I was writing into a vacuum.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:41 am
well you are writing in a vacuum but it’s a cool vacuum lol
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
[...] MVP DeaconBlade 360 posted 6 Myths of Being an Xbox MVP, if you’re interested in the [...]
June 1st, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Lol Deac, I love your writing style. It makes me laugh every time. I’m not kissing ass here. I think you should get free stuff too, but then I think I should get free stuff so that isn’t saying much.
June 1st, 2008 at 8:12 pm
thx Dreaded! i appreciate that amigo..and yeah we should all get free stuff
October 1st, 2009 at 8:33 am
[...] But seriously, it’s an honor to represent the community in this way. Being an Xbox MVP isn’t what most people think it is. It’s an award and title that I’m proud to carry and one that I carry with a great [...]
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
I have not heard of this Microsoft MVP thing.