"hackers"

[Bryn M. Reeves]

On 04/24/2013 03:42 AM, Richard Vickery wrote:
> Of course, the media are infamous for abusing scientific terms, such as
> calling the Higgs boson the god particle - a term scientists loathe - so
> I out not lose too much sleep over it.

Actually the scientists (inc. prof. Higgs) are not so happy with 'Higgs 
boson' as a name either:

   http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22250092

I tend to think the 'hacker' vs. 'cracker' distinction is lost to 
history in the mainstream today. Among enlightened circles you can still 
make the distinction between the terms and be understood.

When communicating with broader audiences I think rigidly sticking to 
our preferred definition risks misunderstanding and further confusion 
for the listeners.

Regards,
Bryn.