From: utzoo!decvax!watmath!djmdavies
Newsgroups: net.misc
Title: Re: A hacker by any other name ....
Article-I.D.: watmath.2566
Posted: Wed Jun  9 20:55:39 1982
Received: Thu Jun 10 01:20:30 1982
References: watmath.2564

Obviously, as someone else said here recently, we have two different
definitions (or concepts) hiding under the terms hack/hacker.  I recall
feeling mildly surprised on reading the MIT/Stanford hacker's Dictionary
to find that 'Hacker' has been invested with a positive aura in that
context.  Interesting that the positive aura has subsequently spread
(perhaps via ARPAnet for the most part, plus word of mouth) to a
significant slice of USENET and some other parts of U.S. Computer Sci
establishment.
     The whole dispute as to the 'true' meaning strikes me as a classic
example of evolution in language use.  Wonder if any sociolinguists
have noticed the possibilities of using computer message networks
to collect raw data on language shifts.   I also wonder if anyone
can comment from personal knowledge on the context in which 'hacker'
first became a 'good' word.  Was it originally a we-hackers-stick-
together reaction by (mainly AI) students who were being put down
as 'mere hackers' by others... And later the people concerned learn
to work in more discipline ways, and retain the label out of pride and
a bit of rebellion (perhaps, against snap judgements)... and now
other people take the term up. ?   Anyone know?
	I have to say that I can accept 'hacker' as a 'good' word, as
used by certain individuals, but it still by default retains a
perjorative force for me.