Hackers (was: *** ADMIN: How To Ask Questions The Smart Way)

At 02:06 PM 1/5/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>The only thing I did not like about the site was that the good guys here are
>hackers.
>The word "hacker" to me is a cyber terrorist in denial that he doing anything
>bad.

That's a result of the press getting a hold of the term.

"Hacker" *WAS* a title of respect given to someone who was able to make a
computer do things that others could not.

I *USED* to be a Apple ][ (2) hacker ... I could do things with an Apple 2
that few people could do.  Basicly, I was able to extend Applesoft basic
with 6502 machine language.  Was I a bad person?  No, in fact, my talents
were primarily directed at building a order entry system... and Applesoft
didn't do everything I needed it to do.

In the Linux world, I still see references to "Kernel Kackers" ... most
assuredly a title of respect.

The press, however, has turned the title "Hacker" into someone who tries to
break into your system and cause disruption.

I using the original terms, I would most definitely call Leif a AS400
hacker ... and Joe Pluta a websphere hacker.

david