Comments on: it’s more than a question of self identity, really

By: huned

huned — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 22:05:57 +0000

quoting esr: “attitude is no substitute for competence”

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/hacker-howto.html#believe5

matt from urban pug, aren’t you an attorney? :)

By: Matt from Urban Pug

Matt from Urban Pug — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 03:21:00 +0000

I’d bet Woz would say he’s a hacker.

By: huned

huned — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:21:27 +0000

pennypacker’s always insightful, man. thanks for the post.

By: huned

huned — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:08:54 +0000

i created a page for myself on wikipedia once. it was removed :(

By: Dmitry

Dmitry — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:59:17 +0000

I remember a meeting years ago at BEA when one developer said, “Call me an old hacker — which I am — but we should just try it out” etc. It occurred to me then that there was something not quite right with that statement. Like wikipedia: you don’t create a page for yourself.

By: Pennypacker

Pennypacker — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 23:28:50 +0000

I know this is the bane of social-science, but I think the difference is intention and tone.
You can claim to be part of a group to make yourself sound cooler, or to make fun of yourself.

Example 1

A: Why is this code crazy and hard to follow?
B: Oh sorry, it’s me being a stupid hacker, I can’t help myself
A and B: Hahaha

Example 2

A: Why is this code crazy and hard to follow?
B: Because I’m a hacker and I’m cool like that, just learn to read it.
A: I hate your face.

In Example 1, B is probably a hacker. They are comfortable with the negative things associated with their group, and have a sense of humor about their own identity. In Example 2, person B is probably not a hacker. B is hoping A will be impressed by the positive associations of being a hacker without really explaining themselves.

It could also be said the difference is how group identification relates to self esteem. If one claims identity to give a false boost to their self esteem, they are probably not a member. If one claims it to show solidarity or make a joke about their own insecurities, then they are probably part of that group.

-Pennypacker