Re: [Fsfe-uk] hacker definition

[Chris Croughton]

On Wed, May 14, 2003 at 02:39:09AM +0100, Ramanan Selvaratnam wrote:

> Channel 4, while attempting to get into new fields and future creative 
> technologies has made real mess of definitions here.
> 
> http://www.ideasfactory.com/apps/careers/profileresult.jsp?profile=Hacker
> 
> "A hacker is someone who uses their technical expertise to break 
> electronically into computer systems around the corner or around the globe.

Unfortunately, whether we like it or not (and I don't) that definition
of hacker is the one which most of the press and ordinary people uses.
Even The Register, which is normally on 'our' side, slips more than
occasionally.

> You could be hacking into the Pentagon to download classified 
> information on George Bush's alleged preference for his fried eggs sunny 
> side up,......."!!!
> 
> what is interesting is they do point out further down this bad article
> 
> "......Mastering Python, C, C++, Perl and LISP, you are now the fount of 
> all technical knowledge."
> 
> Illegal LISP coders run the risk arrest, trial and prison !!!

By the same sort of people who can't distinguish a paediatrician from a
paedophile, very probably.  Didn't you known that all programmers are
suspect anyway?  We're a subversive lot who can't be trusted because we
Know Stuff that ordinary people don't, and talk in jargon to cover up
our plotting.  And we put bugs in code deliberately to mess up the
'normals'.

> Then there are some totally unrelated links at the bottom. No mention of 
> jobs on the GNU website or LPI certification.
> 
> I visited the website (which seems to be a good idea) as C4 were 
> advertising this on late night TV.

Thanks.  I rarely watch any of the terrestrial channels now (in fact I
don't watch much at all, I mess with computers and read a lot, another
subversive activity).

> Maybe AFFS should be highlighted in the links alongside BCS. This is 
> very relevant as free software is a viable solution to many aspiring 
> futuristic 'creatives', this web resource is primarily designed for.
> Alternatively some one should point out to C4, ESR's definition of a 
> 'hacker' or something more appropriate.

I doubt it will do any good, the reply will be of the form "Oh, no one
will understand if we use that definition, everyone knows it means
people who break into other computers and write viruses".  BTDTGTTS.

(Note: I wouldn't say most of that stuff about being subversive outside
the hacker community, normals tend to take it seriously.  The same
reason as joking about having a bomb in your luggage at an airport is a
Bad Idea...)

Chris C