MVP Insider - Q & A with Justin Lee

Justin Lee is a software consultant for ObjectSharp Consulting. His interests lie mainly with languages, operating systems, software architecture processes and best practices, and low-level hardware architecture. Justin is an MCSD.NET, a Microsoft C# MVP, and the founder of the 1st .NET user group in Singapore. He is open to discussion about Open-Source, Linux, Mono, and other alternatives to Microsoft and .NET. He is proficient in C#, C++, Java, F#, Python, Ruby and various other languages. He has been doing freelancing for a few years now, and is currently branching out into other areas including training, consultancy, business and marketing. He speaks at various conferences like DevTeach, TechEd SEA, and various communities around the world. His blog is a brain dump for all his experiences during work and playing with new technologies.

1. What does being an MVP mean to you?

It means to have Sasha as my underling. Just joking... or am I?

But, seriously, as an MVP, I can give feedback on what I don't like about a product earlier in the process based on my experience in that area and have that impact how the product will turn out, and also share those experiences I've learnt about a product with the community.

2. If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft, what would it be?

"If you have one question to ask yourself about Microsoft, what would it be?"

3. What do you think the best software ever written was?

Mac OS X. You think?

Actually, I don't think there's any "best" software out there. Software is a constant iterative improvement of existing software. When "best" has been assumed to be achieved, it means you aren't listening to your customers enough, or the product is about to be dropped. *ahem* foxpro *ahem*.

4. If you were the manager of Visual Studio, what would you change?

Do you really want me to list them all? Pick a few.

  • User Interface/User Experience and visualization of code analysis
  • Debugging Visualization
  • Multi-threading Visualization
  • Pair Programming across multiple Visual Studio environments
  • Better SharePoint integration
  • Easier customization experience to achieve the ideal goal of making Visual Studio a Software Factory
  • Extending the C# Language, and making Visual Studio understand it
  • More refactoring off the shelf
  • Support for better TDD
  • ... You really want more?

5. What are the best features/improvements of Visual Studio?

File->New->Project. Enough said.

6. What was the last book you read?

Expert F#. I'm a language geek. I know. That's why I'm a C# MVP.

7. What music CD do you recommend?

Diana Krall – Live in Paris.

8. What makes you a great MVP?

It's probably my great looks, and because the Zohan styled my hair too. Don't Mess With The Zohan.

9. What is in your computer bag?

Lenovo Thinkpad T61, laptop power adapter, Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse, Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks, 80 gig external HDD, 140 gig external HDD, 1 gig USB thumb drive, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation power adapter, cell phone charger, laptop battery, external cdrom, Cat 5 network cable, podcast recorder, 2 earphones, calculator, Passport, bus schedules, Packets of Green Tea, umbrella, nail clipper, medicine for stomachaches, namecards, pens, pencils, papers... you get the idea.

10. What is the best thing that has happened since you have become an MVP?

It's the exposure to a wider variety of people and technologies, and it's great for picking up girls.

11. What is your motto?

"The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world."

12. Who is your hero?

Sasha.

13. What does success mean to you?

Success means to be able to achieve my goal of influencing technology in a large scale and take over the Aworld. Do you really think I'm kidding?