Readings

The readings for Tuesday, January 31 are:

1. Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution

   • Part Three. GAME HACKERS

Writings

The third part of Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution is entitled "Game Hackers" and discusses the third generation of hackers who "had learned their programming artistry on small computers, ... [and] who dreamed not only of the ultimate hack, but of fame, and big royalty checks."

In your third blog post, write a reflection that does the following:

• Compares and contrast the "Game Hackers" with the previous two generations by discussing the rise of the "hotshot programmer" whose "consolation was money". Provide a few examples from the readings.

• Discuss the transformation that occurred "now that there was a marketplace, [and] the real world had changed hackerism" to the point that [Ken Williams] "was convinced that hackers should be stifled; what's needed is to guess what the marketplace wants, access to distribution channes, money, gimmicks, market promotion."

• Reflect on your thoughts regarding the following questions posed by Steven Levy as "the Hacker Ethic ... met the marketplace":

  • "Did you really benefit from your computer if you did not program it?"

  • "Did the public benefit from one company 'owning' a piece of software and preventing others from making it useful?"

  • "Could they grab the ring and not be corrupted? Could whatever idealism existed in their mission be preserved? Could the spirit of hackerism survive the success of the software industry?"