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.
