Wysocki, Matthew

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE REAL PROGRAMMERS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF USENET AS A SITE FOR COMPUTER HACKER CULTURAL FORMATION

Abstract

This paper focuses on the question of the existence of an actual Computer Hacker subculture. Determining that Hackers, in general, have yet to receive a substantial academic investigation, the first step is to attempt to define the parameters for this group through the writings of members. From this, a differentiation between Hackers, who claim to see computers as a means for creation, and Crackers, who are accused of using computers for destructive purposes, is argued.

In order to properly analyze either group, certain steps must be followed. Any study of a subculture should work through three stages: historical, semiotic, and phenomenological. In order to conduct the semiotic and phenomenological analysis, communication and action of hackers has to be located and evaluated. The Usenet site alt.hackers was chosen for this purpose. Postings were collected and subjected to textual analysis.

Alt.hackers was determined to be a place where cultural formation does occur. Lurkers and newbies have the idea of hackers as gainers of knowledge and skill reinforced through the nature and content of postings to the newsgroup. Additionally, experienced users and posters are also reminded often of their duty to share their knowledge and work through such means as ObHacks. However, it remains debatable whether or not this group could be considered a proper subculture. One of the most common elements argued for in subcultures work is the element of deviancy, which seems to be missing from these Hackers.