Why be a Shameless Geek?
Look up the word Geek using an online dictionary and you will see some things that aren't very flattering. Geeks are referred to as bizarre or inept, with the occasional mention that they are accomplished in science or technical pursuits. Look up the term Computer Geek and you will see something even worse. (I'm especially fond of the "malodorous" reference)
The good news is, that there are Geeks who are no longer ashamed of the label. When we hear it, we smile. It shows that we have achieved a reputation for scientific or technical excellence so untouchable that detractors must resort to antiquated circus jargon to find a believable insult. Instead of feeling wounded by an insult, we feel lifted by a compliment that fellow Geeks use as a term of endearment, and !G's (not Geeks) mistakenly hurl as an insult.
I'm not the first to see things this way. There have been others through the years. In the early days of the Internet, there were attempts to categorize the types of Geeks. It was a time to experiment with what it meant to be a geek. It was a time to stretch the definition of Geekhood. It was a time to rebel against the !G's. It was a time to be proud.
I applaud those pioneer Geeks who first poked their heads out from behind their terminals so that they could stand up and be counted. Did they feel the need to hide in a corner and shiver when they were called Geek or Nerd? NO! Did they shrivel and die when someone pointed out how socially inept they were? NO! Did it bother them when the football team stole their lunch money and gave them a swirly bath in the men's room toilet bowl? Ummm... Yes... But They ENDURED!. It is in honor of these great men and women that I offer up this online sanctuary of Geekdom to those who wish to use it.
So join with us all of you Wookies, Orcs and Klingons! Raise those Magic Staff's! Swing those Batleth's and Light Sabers! Unsheath those Halisens and meet us in the transporter room! Join us in our quest to free Geeks from the slavery of old ideas and the ignorance of the !G's. We'll tear down the tyranny of the old order like a BFG9000 through butter! We'll create a world where Geeks can go to Star Trek conventions dressed as Wookies, and LAN Parties dressed as Sailor Moon.(if they have the figure for it)
But... You'll have to start without me. I'm not feeling very well right now.
-- Shameless.