Jimcat's Geek Code

In the meantime, for what it's worth, here is my geek code circa 1997-98.

This is based on Version 3.12 of the Geek Code. I finally got around to updating it. However, the older version I'd been using had some information that this one doesn't, so you may also want to take a look at my old Geek Code.

-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version: 3.12
GS/CS/TW/O d++@ s+: a- C++$ UB+ P L E W(-) N++ K+++++ w$ O-$
M--- V-- PS+ PE(-)(+) Y PGP- t+ 5 X(+) R- tv-- b++ DI+++
D-- G+ e(>+) h r(+) y+
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------

Some further explanation, for those who may need it:

GS/CS/TW/O

Geek of Science, Computer Science, Technical Writing, and Other. I was disappointed to see that there was no "Geek of History" category, although that may fall under "Geek of Humanities". Also, if there is such a thing as a Geek of Railroads, then I'm sure I qualify.

d+@

Since I no longer work for a Wall Street firm, I am no longer required to spend a lot of time dressed in the dreaded business suit and tie. Although my current employer makes no restrictions on dress, I try to stick with "business casual" for the office. Hanging around at home, I will usually go back to jeans and t-shirt.

s+:

I'm about six feet tall with a medium build.

a-

Still on the shy side of thirty.

C++$

Computers have been a major part of my life since I entered college. In fact, since I left school, it's been how I've made my living.

L

I haven't really had the motivation to install Linux at home, but one of these days I will probably get around to it.

UB+

Although I'm not a programmer, I learned just enough Unix to be dangerous while I was at RPI. As far as I'm concerned, all the other operating systems are either poor substitutes or kiddie toys.

P

Not really interested in Perl.

E

Emacs is my favorite editor, but I must admit I haven't learned enough about it to use it to its full potential.

W@

I have mixed feelings about the Web. It's good for what it is, I really like the HTML concept for creating cross-linked documents, and I'm glad that it exists to create a new publishing medium that just about anyone can access. On the other hand, it does suck up bandwidth tremendously, and there are a lot of idiots using it for stupid things.

N++

I used to have a lot more time to read Usenet than I do, and I was very active in '91-'93. Nowadays I have less time for it (you might say that I've gotten a real job and a real life), but I still try to follow some of my favorite groups.

K+++++

No, actually I haven't had sex with Kibo. But I knew him before he was Kibo, and that should count for something.

w$

A lot of what I do at work is done in Microsoft Windows. That doesn't mean I like it. Personally, I'll take a Unix box with XWindows whenever I can get it.

O-$

My last job involved documenting some applications that ran in OS/2. In my opinion, OS/2 combines the worst features of MS Windows and Unix. Blech.

M---

I created an extreme that's off the scale of the official Geek Code, because the words do not exist to describe my utter loathing and contempt for all Macintosh computers and those who use them. In my opinion, the entire concept behind the Macintosh is severely flawed. Computers are not meant to be easy to use. Making them easy allows idiots to use them, and that makes life more annoying for those of us who know what we are doing. People who need a Macintosh should either invest some time and energy into acquiring a clue, or leave the computers to those of us intelligent enough to understand them.

V--

I hate VMS, but for no rational reason. I think it was a bad experience with the Vax machines at RPI that so traumatized me.

PS+

My feelings on politics are difficult to categorize. Although I think that much of our current social welfare system is flawed, I do tend to lean towards the attitude that a civilized society should be willing to care for those people who are less able to care for themselves.

PE(+)(-)

I'm really off the traditional spectrum here. I think that taxes have their purpose, but right now we're spending too much, and on the wrong things.

Y

I know of the cypherpunk movement, but fail to see what the big deal is.

PGP-

I don't really have much use for encryption. No offense to those who do.

t+

There are very few good shows on television, in my opinion. Star Trek is one of the few I don't mind watching.

5

Saw a few episodes of Babylon 5. Not bad, but I don't have any interest in following it.

X(+)

I actually liked the episodes of the X-Files that I saw. If I watched more TV, I might follow it regularly.

R-

I used to play a lot of role playing games up until high school, then lost interest. I dabbled in a few when I got to RPI, but all things considered, I can think of a lot of better things to do with my time.

tv--

The only reason I have a television in my house is because my (now ex-) girlfriend insisted on giving me one. Since we broke up in May of '95, I have turned it on exactly once, to watch the Doctor Who TV movie. During the blizzard of January '96, I got my information from the radio.

b++

Ah, here's my real entertainment category. Books are one of my favorite forms of recreation. Although I have less free time than I used to, I try to read two or three books per month. You can check out what I like to read, or the list of books I've read this year.

DI+++

I am one of those people who read Dilbert and say "He must be talking about my workplace."

D--

Not my kind of game at all.

G+

I at least follow the Geek Code closely enough to have made this update. Personally, I think the old version was good enough, and more informative in some ways. But keeping up with th Joneses and all that... (or would that be keeping up with the Dilberts?)

e

Maybe someday I'll get some sort of college degree. Don't hold your breath, though.

h

When I was going to school and/or working at RPI, I lived in many differet apartments which I shared with fellow geeks. Now I can finally afford a place of my own, and I like it much better that way.

r(+)

Some of my friends say that I've had a lot of relationships. I don't know, I guess it depends whom you compare it to. Right now I enjoy dating, but am not looking for anything more serious.

y+

I'm male, hetero, and believe in the importance of practicing safe sex. And that's all that I really want to go into here about my sex life.

Click here for a bit more about my personality.

Click here for my old Geek Code.