Courtesy, For God's sake !

Been trying to blog this for quite a while. Today, I finally found the courage to post it.

I love what I do; not just software development, but helping people, listening to their problems patiently, suggesting solutions, and if possible giving them a complete walk thru of how to go about solving a complex problem. All this I do not for the sake of any material rewards, or appreciation, or gratitude, but for the simple reason of inspiring and motivating my fellow countrymen to help others. The satisfaction and inspiration one gets from sharing with others, is something that cannot be described in words. This is what keeps me going. This is what I want to keep doing as long as I physically can.

But lately, people have started to take all this for granted. They feel that assisting anyone and everyone is somehow an obligation for us MVPs (Microsoft Most-Valuable Professionals) and INETA office-bearers. People have completely forgotten that we too have personal lives of our own, that we also have work to do to earn a living (Microsoft does not pay MVPs), we have other engagements too with our families and friends, and we need time for ourselves too, so we expect a little privacy. While sharing and helping is too noble a cause to set aside, and although it does take precedence over what other things we do most of the time, there is absolutely nothing to suggest that we are thinking of becoming MotherTeresa.NET! So, it really angers me when someone calls me at odd timings, or e-mails me asking for something that they take would take credit for from their bosses, or even asks me to visit them because they are facing a problem. I mean, C'mon. Since when does the well go to thirsty instead of the other way around. So, anyone and everyone reading this, I request you to understand our situation, understand that we expect a little privacy, and that we love to share knowledge and ideas, but certainly NOT at a very high cost to us. Hope you understand.