Hey @MVP folks! 
I was honored to be invited to nominate this year and received positive (but non-specific) feedback afterward. While I’m motivated to keep contributing, I’d love to hear from current/past MVPs:
Best intents
Hey @tarikrital, firstly congratulations, you must have stood out to be nominated.
My first experience being told I had been nominated was unexpected and I found the process of explaining why I deserve to be an MVP very uncomfortable. Especially as I had not put myself forward. All of my involvement with the community was because I enjoy it and like helping others get the same enjoyment I do.
I did not get the MVP, but similar to you, I receive an e-mail from the MVP team saying that I had not been successful this year, but they appreciated all of my hard work and to try again next year.
I had no intention of applying again.
However, last year I was nominated again, I have always really wanted to attend CodeGarden and if you are an MVP you get a free ticket. I know, not the most honourable motivation.
So I completed the application and this time was awarded MVP.
Just being able to attend CodeGarden was reward enough for me but… what I didn’t really understand was how much MVP would mean to me once I received it.
I assume everyone’s experience is different but for me I was taken aback by how pleased everyone else was on my behalf. It felt like a very genuine token of appreciation from people that you care about and sincere recognition of being a valued community member.
That’s it really… a great big thank you from people you have been helping and who have been helping you.
Knowing what I know now, I would encourage anyone who plays an active role in the Umbraco community to put themselves forward. Yes, it feels weird listing contributions and activities but I can’t see anyone doing that for you?
In terms of benefits, I think they will be different for different people.
I would say it’s definitely worth applying again.
My experiences were very similar to Dean, although I was awarded mine first time, I think because I made such a nuisance of myself on the forums 
To say I was completely flabbergasted and overwhelmed would be a massive understatement. I would also encourage anyone who plays an active role in the Umbraco community to put themselves forward.
Definitely apply again
I added 10 activities via the MVP program application which I see the best to show but anyway I don’t have a problem since that is the judgments of team behind this nominations.
Thank you, Dean
I noticed how fast you answer on Our and your presence to help others.
Thank you, @huwred
Hardly a nuisance @huwred especially when I was wrangling TinyMCE stuff you were very helpful!
Hey @tarikrital
Just seen your message and if it’s ok with you, I’ll write a blog this week with my thoughts.
I’ll post a link here once it’s published.
O
No problem, I look forward to learn from your experiences. 
I have been lucky to be nominated and gets few mvp awards and that feeling of are you sure ? I am sure there are better people doing better that could have been given the award
If you do want the award and nothing wrong with the motivation
Be seen
Participate in multiple ways or be good about how you are participating
Contributing is the key
@tarikrital - my blog is now online : Owain.Codes
Any questions, I’m happy to answer 
The post is clear and one from the important values as you mentioned is below:
They are more than just people I know who use Umbraco, they are true friends that I can and do chat with on a daily basis.
Thank you, @OwainWilliams
One thing that is not really advertised well is there is MVP benefits on training.. but all the other stuff is relevant