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From: KFL@AI.AI.MIT.EDU ("Keith F. Lynch")
Newsgroups: comp.os.vms
Subject: Hackers!
Message-ID: <229147.870718.KFL@AI.AI.MIT.EDU>
Date: Sat, 18-Jul-87 17:15:51 EDT
Article-I.D.: AI.229147.870718.KFL
Posted: Sat Jul 18 17:15:51 1987
Date-Received: Mon, 20-Jul-87 03:48:27 EDT
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> From: WILLIAMS_B%svax05.pfizer-central-research.co.uk@Cs.Ucl.AC.UK

> The trouble is, the word has now been corrupted... just as we can no
> longer refer to anyone as gay, meaning lighthearted & carefree, ...

> From: "VAXR::IVANOVIC" 

> I have always associated the term "hackers" with persons who
> commit crimes ... write ... spaghetti code ...

You may be right.  It is too late for "gay", and for "liberal" (the
original meaning).  Even "minority" is threatened.  I am going to
defend "hacker" for another year, and then throw in the towel if
it seems hopeless.

What do you mean "always"?  The computer usage isn't all that old.  I
"always" thought it was someone who drove a taxi.  Where did you get
the impression you did of the word "hacker"?  I am curious.
								...Keith