said by ph03n1x :

"Capitalizing on the ignorance of the end-user...."

I see things differently. While the industry as a whole should be blamed for the spyware fiasco because we've provided all this technology to people who know little to nothing about it, it's time we start assigning some level of blame for the growing menace to the consistent ignorance of end users. Far far too many computer "users" refuse to learn squat about the complicated machine they have sitting on their desks.

said by Scree :

How is that preying on end users? It's like shareware, you release something hoping people will pay for it. Is that preying on honest people who keep using it?

said by RayW :

As I understand it (and I am probably wrong) MVP status goes to those who forward MS's party line the most.

said by dadkins :

Well, there are a couple Microsoft "MVPs"(one in particular) that frequent this site that I wouldn't allow to LOOK at my machines, let alone touch them.

It seems that "The Bar" is set rather low.

said by ph03n1x :

The program ONLY installs LOP if you agree to the sponsor installation.

The bottom line is that the option is clearly laid out for you and therefore if LOP gets installed along with Messenger Plus! Live, it is a user error for either not paying attention or not knowing any better.

said by AB :

It means something to me, and I am neither jealous nor think I deserve an Award.
When I see 'Microsoft MVP' next to someone's name, it tells me that maybe they have an idea of what they are speaking about, and therefore could quite possibly be worth listening to. Doesn't mean they are right every time, or that their words should be taken as if spoken from 'on high', but it does mean that they have earned a degree of respect for their position on whatever matter.
If Microsoft were to convey that Award upon someone involved in the purveyance or distribution of malware, it would affect my perception of all MVP Awardees in a negative fashion. This may be part of what rankled the current MVP title holders.
Just my take on it.

said by dadkins :

Possibly, never asked - not important to me.
I am asking why this assclown was awarded the MVP when he is a freakin malware spreader.

Is there no level of competence or can any spammer/virus writer/malware vendor get a Microsoft MVP award?

Sure, Microsoft pulled the award... why was it awarded in the first place?

Community ethics non-existant?

What does this say about the other Microsoft MVPs?
This is supposed to be an achievement so the masses might have a little faith in what a Microsoft MVP has to say, right?
Would YOU allow this flake to get to your computer?
Tell you how to fix your machine?
For a short time there he *WAS* a Microsoft MVP!

In his "spare time" he was slamming LOP on people's computers and some of the other MVPs were praising him for his program. WTF?

Sure craps on the whole MS MVP thing, huh?

No offense to my MVP friends, but this sure threw a wrench in the works!