What is Hacker for you?

[DonDamm]

I think the debate is already lost. Sure, we can hold onto the historical origin and meaning, and pride ourselves to be members of an elite group which is the only one which acknowledges the true meaning. However, all main stream media and expecially computer journalists have long ago caved in to the now popular negative connotation. There is no getting away from it, so I'd prefer to smile and just refuse to use it.

We need to find a new moniker that isn't related to the old. I don't think that "hobbyist" will win any awards, either, so we need to be creative and come up with something new. "Geek" and "Nerd" are already overused and suffer from other connotations which may not apply. Something like the word "tech" might cover a lot of ground and be sufficiently vague to keep from pigeonholing anyone.

Any other suggestions? We might just start something here! :^)