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Note that ESR uses a stricter definition of hacker than is usually accepted on HN. On HN, anyone who can write code is free to call themselves a hacker. But tha
by philh 12y ago
Note that ESR uses a stricter definition of hacker than is usually accepted on HN. On HN, anyone who can write code is free to call themselves a hacker. But that doesn't mean you have the mindset. And to the extent that the hacker community still exists in the sense of this document, it doesn't mean you're a part of that.
I've complained about this before, it's something of a pet peeve of mine. I don't describe myself as a hacker.
(But also a weaker definition in several ways. Hacking in the ESR sense doesn't have to have anything to do with computers. This is in the jargon file, I'm a little surprised that the HOWTO doesn't say anything about it.)
- dhimes 12y agoActually, on HN the definition pg has endorsed for hacker is as a synonym for 'tinkerer' (not his word). It's not necessarily about code, but it is about the mindset of curiosity + adventurous.
- TeMPOraL 12y agoBut then you have startups recruiting "rockstar hackers", sites that teach you how to become a "hacker" by leraning the newest hip JS framework of this week, and of course, the abominations like the term "growth hacking". Spirit of hacking, as per pg's definition or the hacker culture, is still strong on HN, but the word hacker itself seems to devaluate quickly. Just like every other term that becomes fashionable, I guess.