I guess I don not understand the context in which the word
hacker is being used on the net.  I looked up the definition
and the closest thing I can figure out is that a lot of people
posting news also drive cabs as a side job.  Maybe you have
come up with your own perverted conotation of the word, but
I really think you should stick to dictionary definitions or
at least something close to it!
                                     Gene Foster
                                     houxm!3363ewf

        I guess I don not understand the context in which the word
        hacker is being used on the net.  I looked up the definition
        and the closest thing I can figure out is that a lot of people
        posting news also drive cabs as a side job.  Maybe you have
        come up with your own perverted conotation of the word, but
        I really think you should stick to dictionary definitions or
        at least something close to it!
                                             Gene Foster
                                             houxm!3363ewf

                 ..
        jargon (jar'g^n), n. 1. confused, meaningless talk or
        writing. 2. language of a special group, profession,
        etc.

The second definition is appropriate here.

        Alan Driscoll
        Bell Labs, Murray Hill

It seems the term "hacker" is getting into the public usage, but with
a different connotation than we (programmers) give it.  Both in News-
week a couple of weeks ago and again on CBS News this evening, the
term "hacker" was used to refer specifically to individuals, mostly
antisocial teenagers, who spend their time deliberately breaking into
computer systems.  I suspect that will become the "official" meaning
as soon as someone gets around to including it in a dictionary.
Ain't it wunnerful to watch your very own language grow?

                                        Byron Howes
                                        UNC - Chapel Hill
                                        duke!unc!bch