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December 16, 2003

So I got a lot of theories... so I keep'em in the couch...

So while studying in the library today and remarking aloud to my fellow "study-ers": "Wow, what a bunch of geeks." (Most of them didn't even look up.) I was reminded of my Geek theory.

It is amazing how much we avoid the term geek or nerd. It is definitely a derogatory term to describe someone with an unhealthy preoccupation with a specific subject of study. It also comes with geek-speak, a language that can only be spoken by fellow geeks of your particular discipline.

Now there are those out there who would happily claim the term geek (beat you to it matt) but for most it remains a term we attempt to escape.

But, in all reality we (those of us who have pursued a college education) are all seeking to attain the status of a geek. We all take classes so that we can learn the language, write papers, and pursue our "geekiness".

So the next time that you think to ridicule a geek for his lack of social skills or bad taste in bowties think about what you are paying the university for...

Posted by paul at December 16, 2003 11:35 AM

Comments

I paid Iowa State University for a piece of paper, a.k.a. a diploma. Let me just be the first to say (beat you to it, Wagner):
NERDS!!

Posted by: Pat at December 16, 2003 10:01 AM

Geek: (gēk) (n.) Slang
1a. A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy.
1b. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
2. A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.

I think it is definitions 1 a and b that people find the term derogatory, but I know for me, it is definition 2 that keeps me pursuing the status of geek.

-A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as reading HTML, JAVASCRIPT, CSS, and PHP, while still encoded, and memorizing Hex color charts. my personal favorite #66cc66;

Posted by: Mat at December 16, 2003 11:34 AM

That is a HORRIBLE color. Barf! (Or snot, maybe)

Posted by: Pat at December 16, 2003 12:28 PM

I would have to say that I am being forced down the scholarly path this week and therefore am not entitled to use the word "NERD" as a deregatory comment towards anyone this week for fear of being labeled a hypocrite. So instead I shall be using other monikers as labels this week. Pat's, and a few select others (you know who you are), shall be Community Member. Or possibly Crusty Old Man I haven't really decided which one I like better yet.

Posted by: Wagner at December 16, 2003 01:24 PM

ATTENTION
Micahs picture is now up and recieving votes on www.hotornot.com the direct link to his picture is
http://www.hotornot.com/r/?eid=GREQKRS&key=CRL please give him a fair rating

Posted by: Wagner at December 16, 2003 01:33 PM

So, I'm just going to throw this out there. It's incredibly annoying to follow the comments here, Paul. They are definitely backwards, and make the whole commenting process difficult.

Agree or disagree? Let's take a poll.

Posted by: Angie at December 16, 2003 03:52 PM

You are all Weirdos

Posted by: Ochuk at December 16, 2003 04:02 PM

agree

Posted by: mike at December 16, 2003 04:06 PM

ok so I changed the way that comments are handled. I have bowed to the publics wishes. Even though I think that you have just gotten used to other blogs that do it backwards.

Posted by: paul at December 16, 2003 07:58 PM

I just wanted to post a huge

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Posted by: micah at December 16, 2003 11:45 PM

at least you don't make it so we have to click "continue reading" just to finish the blog, I hate that even more than the backwards comments.

Posted by: micah at December 16, 2003 11:47 PM

thanks paul.

Posted by: Angie at December 17, 2003 12:04 AM