Possible explanation for the fundamental differences between geeks and non-geeks

[MrFun]

Nah -- she just finds communism sexy, right?

[Ecthy]

chegitz, ever since that era you haven't

[:) Smiley]

The difference between geeks and non geeks is the attitude one has when operating a computer or other high tech device. Geeks act as if they are in full control (whether or not they really are) while the non-geek panic and are at the mercy of the device.

[Ari Rahikkala]

Smiley almost nailed it down... however, there's a difference between just knowing computers well and being a geek. Well, OK, there's an almost 1-1 relationship between the two, so it's easy to mix them up. The latter commonly leads to the former and the former strengthens the latter, but still, they are not the same thing. It's easy to describe a user who knows computers well. If a computer behaves in an unexpected way, someone who knows how the damn things work is likely to be confident and still feel in control, while someone who's unexperienced (or, more likely nowadays, has experience about doing some simple tasks with a computer once zie has been taught to do them) will panic and wonder what zie did wrong (or just blame the computer while not actually understanding the situation).

What makes people geeks... I believe it's a trait of personality. Sort of like that INTJs and INTPs are likely to be geeks, or something. The point is, it isn't as easy to describe a geek as it is to describe a person with knowledge of computers. I think it's quite trivial if you have your way with words, but I'm not even going to try it here myself...

[Ari Rahikkala]

And now, if someone says that "geek" is defined as "a person who knows a lot about computers" and nothing else, I will go stick myself in a very small box, shoot myself and watch MTV. In that order.

[Spiffor]

I agree with Ari. To further his argument, I'd say computer knowledge is needed to be a geek but is not enough. Feeling confident with a computer is needed but is not enough. The real difference, IMHO, is to think of tweaking computers as meaningful rather than as a sad necessity.

[Japher]

ahem!

If computer knowledge is needed in order to be a geek then what am I? A nerd?

I know hardly anything about computers, at least compared to you geeks, but I am still considered one.

While I couldn't tell you how to over clock your processor, just the fact that I know what that means has classified me as a geek.

I think in the world of geekdom it is really hard to see the forrest from the trees, and we can just conclude that if you are posting on this site then chances are good that you are geek! Especially if you attempt to put emoticons as your location.

[Asher]

I am unquestionably a geek, yet I get laid quite often.

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by Asher
I am unquestionably a geek, yet I get laid quite often.

You're gay, this doesn't count

[JohnT]

Yeah, but you get laid by other men, which is no accomplishment at all, given that at the age of 20 we'd f*** anything willing.

[Asher]

And you have sex with a wife, which is hardly an accomplishment either.

My SO doesn't have saggy breasts, though.

[Harovan]

What is a SO?

[JohnT]

Originally posted by Asher
And you have sex with a wife, which is hardly an accomplishment either.

My SO doesn't have saggy breasts, though.

Fvck you. Shots at the wife are pretty ****ty. Wanna come down here and say that, pretty boy?

[Combat Ingrid]

Originally posted by Sir Ralph
What is a SO?

****ging object?

[Japher]

SO means "gay lover" since them homos are to afraid to admit that they are gay by saying "boy friend", "gay lover", or "sin partner"

I don't care what Asher says, but I'd sure like to see him come down here and offend my wife!

just wait till I am out of the room