First things first: everyone is a champion in what she/he is doing, regardless of the technology, topic or favor. You are worthy!
These days are the days of the IBM Champion nominations. I am still flattered to be in that circle of generous people who share expertise and knowledge in various ways. You can nominate YOUR IBM Champion until October 31 here: https://greenhouse.lotus.com/forms/anon/org/app/42cfa3de-f538-46a6-8645-896da24ded78/launch/index.html?form=F_Form1&cm_mc_uid=83563127991214228974239&cm_mc_sid_50200000=1444830187
What makes an IBM Champion for me
There's nothing particular about it. A person who contributes something to the community (= to us, to me) is on my personal list of nominees. I personally look after the following kinds of contributions:
- a blog that is frequently updated with - of course - IBM ICS(ESS) related stuff and/or innovations that open my mind
- a helping hand in various forums such as Stackoverflow, IBM DeveloperWorks or elsewhere
- a direct contact that I can rely on via different channels such as Skype or EMail - or face to face
- someone who just efforts time to get "us" together at user group events or round tables
You see, there are different options to be noticed by me - and by other people of course.
To all of those of matching the criteriae above (and of course were nominated) I send a big "THANK YOU" over the air.