By my reckoning the awards dinner for the Lotus User Group award would have taken place last night at LotusSphere. As I couldn't be there I was asked (the day before voting closed) to record an acceptance speech. At first this was "just in case", but I asked if they couldn't wait a day to see if I did in fact win and they then said I had a clear lead that would take more than a day to pass.

So, yeah, I won and here's the acceptance speech I sent over (they asked for video, but I'm just not comfortable sitting in a room on my own talking to a camera, like I'm yer man Tom Cruise or something). Needless to say recording acceptance speeches isn't something I'm used to. This one is about the fifth attempt. Next time(?) I'll probably write something down first.

As I said before, I'm in two minds about the award itself — is it for 2007, 2008 or is it, as the award's description suggests, more or a life-time achievement award? Here is that description (again, emphasis my own):

...this award will go to the blogger who, over time, has provided exceptional information, education and community support...

Although I was accused of being "tacky" for adding emphasis I think it's important to know exactly what an award is for. If it's merely an award for 2008 then I don't deserve to be the outright winner. If it's an award to say thanks for all the educating work you've done over the years then I'm probably the only contender!

This site started eight years ago with the sole aim of educating people. I felt compelled to do this, mainly because there just weren't any other sites where you could learn web development with Domino. To an extent the same is still true and I think that's reflected in this site's continuing popularity.

Over the last 8 years I've put in a lot of time - and I mean a lot, as in loads, of time - in building the content of this site. Although I don't do this for the recognition it's always nice to get it and I'm taking this award as the closest thing I'll ever get to official recognition of the work I've done.

Anyway, what I really want to say in this entry is a massive thank you to those who voted. Whether or not I'm any clearer who or what Lotus User Group is or what the award is in fact for is irrelevant. What matters is that it was an award voted for by the people. As I said in the "speech" I'm flattered and amazed that I won and I really do mean that. Despite appearances I have a soft inner and the fact so many people took the time to vote for me really is touching.

Every now and then it takes something like this to happen to remind me not only why I should carry on investing time in the site but that it is worth it and people want it to carry on. So, to all who voted, you've just bought at least another couple of years of codestore ;o)