What is a hacker?

Back in 1991 in some usenet newsgroup or another, a person who may have been named John wrote:

In most of the groups I’ve dealt with, you are given the title after you have proven your aptitude. It is usually awarded after you have survived a couple of long projects, often consisting of some all or late nighters. Having good general knowledge of computers is a must, hardware is optional, but a plus. Being helpful to peers is also almost a requirement! So, being technically good is not the only requirement, but it is the first step. Some character is also neccessary, or we’re just “a bunch of brains” with no social value. I’ve always been taught that a true Hacker is a rather broad spectrum creature, whom others (even and especially non-hackers) can respect and even look up to.

Shades of one hand clapping. You see, the Zen gig is like this. You got a lot wannabe enlightened ones sucking up to the master trying to make out like they’re the real thing. Now the master tells them to just get on with it, but, like, they don’t hear him so good because they’re all wrapped up in being wannabes. And so it goes, as Mr. V. would say.

Requirements for being a hacker, my, my, my.

Mel, where in the hell are you? Have they got any openings?