The Competing Values of Hackers: The Culture Profile that Spawned the Computer Revolution

Abstract

In this paper we describe the hacker culture by analyzing 25 years of communication on one of the oldest and most renowned hacker Web sites. For this purpose, we utilize a previously documented text analysis technique [14] which provides an efficient and effective method of producing a quick overview of values underlying any written text. The technique allows for the creation of culture profiles of texts based on the competing values framework [2]. The paper contributes to understanding an important but overlooked hotbed of creativity -- the hacker community. It provides examples of how hackers -- by playing with existing technologies -- help push technological progress. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates the usefulness of semi-automated text analyses for the purpose of understanding the values and assumptions that are expressed in documents. We highlight the value of the technique in analyzing large volumes of empirical data and assessing cultures of communities, organizations, or other units of analysis.

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