Machine Politics - The man who started the hacker wars.

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Machine Politics - The man who started the hacker wars. · 1

scrimetime · 4638 days ago

newyorker.com · #hackers

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newgameplus · 4638 days ago · link ·

An interesting read, but sort of a strained premise to be honest. Like the article says, Anonymous was active before geohotz and they still are now. The lawsuit was just good motivation for them to do more typical Anonymous things. There some interesting tidbits though. For instance,

According to the Entertainment Software Association, piracy costs the industry eight billion dollars a year. I had no idea the ESA was as deluded as the RIAA and the MPAA.

It's always a bit funny reading about srs internet bsns in publications isn't it? I mean, you're telling me a hacker is a bright, arrogant, socially awkward, young adult with gender essentialist and libertarian viewpoints, a possible drug dependency and problems with authority? I for one, am shocked. However, the worst part is always comments taken out of context.

Some wanted to rally around Hotz, and organize: “THIS IS MADNESS!!! HACKERS UNITE!!! GEOHOT WILL LEAD US INTO THE LIGHT!”

In some circles, the rebel leader was becoming a martyr. As one fan of Hotz’s posted: “geohot = savior of mankind.” I mean come on. Clearly these were laced with snark. I can't even really tell if the second quote was actually in support of Hotz or making fun of his vocal supporters. So now I have to assume the author got it right, but when he deadpans terms like "rebel leader" and "martyr," well that makes me wonder even if it is The New Yorker.