Dear
>>1:
This letter is not meant for publication, although you can
publish it if you wish. It is meant specifically for you, the
editor, not the public.
I am a hacker. That is to say, I enjoy playing with computers --
working with, learning about, and writing clever computer
programs. I am not a cracker; I don't make a practice of
breaking computer security.
There's nothing shameful about the hacking I do. But when I tell
people I am a hacker, people think I'm admitting something
naughty -- because newspapers such as yours misuse the word
"hacker", giving the impression that it means "security breaker"
and nothing else. You are giving hackers a bad name.
The saddest thing is that this problem is perpetuated
deliberately. Your reporters know the difference between
"hacker" and "security breaker". They know how to make the
distinction, but you don't let them! You insist on using
"hacker" pejoratively. When reporters try to use another word,
you change it. When reporters try to explain the other meanings,
you cut it.
Of course, you have a reason. You say that readers have become
used to your insulting usage of "hacker", so that you cannot
change it now. Well, you can't undo past mistakes today; but
that is no excuse to repeat them tomorrow.
If I were what you call a "hacker", at this point I would
threaten to crack your computer and crash it. But I am a hacker,
not a cracker. I don't do that kind of thing! I have enough
computers to play with at home and at work; I don't need yours.
Besides, it's not my way to respond to insults with violence. My
response is this letter.
You owe hackers an apology; but more than that, you owe us
ordinary respect.
Sincerely, FFP.
WATCH UR GRANDMA GRANDPA PROGRAMMER