I overheard a conversation at the bookstore about the Microsoft Certified Master Program and just had to take a look. After all, I am very deep into the tech of Microsoft and figured who better to go for it.

After more research however, I’m glad I hesitated before plunking down my $125 application fee. Seems that not only is the program three weeks and lots of studying (which I would expect to pass such a course), its also $18,500. Yes, the cost of a complete year of college for a three week course.

 As you can assume, I won’t be a master anytime soon. I think that is overboard in price when the competition for a lot of Microsoft’s core product lines is fierce. I can get replacements, not just good ones, but great ones for every product Microsoft has. Which is leading to erosion of their market share everywhere, people are simply into free.

How many folks you know don’t even pay for WinZip? I know a lot! They think I am stupid for paying, they don’t understand that money is one of the things that keeps programmers coding things when they are no longer fun. I like WinZip so I pay.

The only thing thats holding it’s own and increasing its lead I feel is SharePoint. Put into the hands of a competent designer, SharePoint can do almost everything a business needs.

Anyway, I tip my hat to those going for the MCM and good luck to you. I do hope for you its well worth it.