Do you work for Microsoft?

I was communicating over email with recently and they assumed that I worked for or at Microsoft, when questioned why they think that (this wasn’t a technical email or any other factors) they pointed out my email signature which has (highlighted in image) that I am a Microsoft MVP and a Microsoft Ranger.

If you aren’t in the Microsoft ecosystem I can see how you may assume that means I am an employee. So let’s clear this up:

I AM NOT A MICROSOFT EMPLOYEE. What I say cannot and should not be assumed to be related, endorsed or sanctioned by Microsoft.

So what are those two things in my email signature?

• Microsoft MVP: This is an award from Microsoft for service to the community. You can read more about it here.
• Microsoft Ranger: This is a team of Microsoft staff and external people that work together to produce content and tools to help people. I have worked with Microsoft and even at their offices, but not as an employee. You can read more about the Rangers here.