Can SQL Heroes around the world play, too?

Since I've gotten the question more than once, I'll answer it here and then point y'all back to the Official Contest Rules™. See section 3.0 which is entitled "Can you enter?"

The simple answer is: Yes.

Unless, of course, you work for Bill (like I do) or live in a couple of countries that are off-limits for legal reasons, etc. See the Official Contest Rules™ for more details.

Since that Yes seems a little out of context, here's the recurring question that it pertains to: "Is the SQL Heroes 2008 contest open to participants outside the United States [and/or North America]?"

Yes, we love all the member of our SQL Server community worldwide. Whether you're in Romania or South Africa or China (or anywhere not specifically excluded in the Official Contest Rules™), you can enter the Contest™!!

Because we were thinking about YOU when we drafted the rules, there is even a clause in the Official Contest Rules™ to allow for alternative prizes if there are import/export restrictions on Windows Home Servers where YOU live. We'll work something out. But you have to enter the Contest™ and Win™ first! Hee-hee.