From a TechNet Lurker to a TechNet Contributor

I am an IT professional and oftentimes when I encounter problems in the systems I am administering, I would search for possible solutions using Google Search from the internet. Ninety-nine point ninety nine percent of the time, someone else has already encountered the problem and, if I'm in luck, a solution has already been found and posted.

The Microsoft TechNet is my usual haunt for Microsoft-related stuff. For years, I've been lurking in the TechNet forums, browsing for TechNet (and at times, MSDN) articles, whitepapers and guides, copy-and-pasting studying scripts from the ScriptCenter, rummaging through the Virtual Labs to try my hands on new technologies, and a lot of other occasions. Never did it cross my mind during those years that I can actually contribute to those other IT pros seeking answers and solutions; I had doubts and reservations on my expertise, however minute it may be.

But things have changed. A bit. I have been posting on the forums in a scale I've never done before. This sort of builds up my confidence and self-esteem. And now, here I am, a TechNet forums regular poster. And, look, I just got my third medal!

Why am I doing this? Helping out those who seek answers? Paying it forward; for all those times when I was the one looking for help and the forums were there to save me, it's payback time.