Add extra readings about hackerdom

[nikty]

I noticed that OSSU does not mention hacker culture. Although it is somewhat unrelated to computer science studies, I recognize that the very existence of OSSU aligns with hacker culture: we learn, we share, and we strive to replicate what is typically done at universities. This culture itself originated in renowned institutions such as MIT and Berkeley.

Therefore, I propose including a section on hacker culture in the additional readings for those who are interested.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

[waciumawanjohi]

I propose including a section on hacker culture

That's an interesting idea. Sounds appropriate for the goals of the extra readings.

You've proposed not only a new section but also 3 resources for that section. But you haven't shared why these resources were chosen instead of others. Are these well regarded classics? Are these new resources that have received rave reviews? Used in university courses or recommended by online communities of hackers?

[nikty]

Are these well regarded classics?

Well, the first essay by Eric S. Raymond is considered a classic.
The one by Stallman offers a perspective from the point of view of the Free Software Foundation, the organization that created the GNU GPL License.

The last one is an older documentary about the history of Linux, and I believe it captures the essence of hacker culture very well. (It hooked me onto free software some years ago, really, but it's more than personal).
There must be an abundant amount of reviews on the internet for this film, e.g. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308808/reviews/

[waciumawanjohi]

The catb site throws a warning on trying to visit, so no on its inclusion.

The GNU Foundation seems a highly relevant organization. The foundation has a short-list of documents that capture the GNU philosophy, https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/philosophy.html
The Stallman interview is one of dozens that are on a separate long list. Perhaps pointing the users to main GNU philosophy would make more sense?

Pretty sure Revolution OS would be the first video/movie in the extras/readings. Not clear why it should be.

My impression from a quick search is that Stephen Levy's book Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution is the most read and well reviewed book on hacker culture. Thoughts on adding this?

[nikty]

The catb site throws a warning on trying to visit, so no on its inclusion.

What kind of warning do you get? Eric Raymond is well regarded in the culture, I'm 100% certain there are no issues with his cite. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_S._Raymond The essay "How to become a hacker" is still a wonderful read.

Perhaps pointing the users to main GNU philosophy would make more sense?

Agreed. That would be a more substantial read.

Pretty sure Revolution OS would be the first video/movie in the extras/readings. Not clear why it should be.

Well, honestly, I'm convinced that this is a case where we should make an exception.
The movie is unique:

• it discusses events in an accessible format (video)
• it features real people
• these people are truly influential, and I believe the greatest value of the film lies in creating a spark - something that is not easily achievable when reading a book

Stephen Levy's book Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution

Right, I saw a mention of this book on the first pages of a book The Cathedral and The Bazaar by ESR.
Actually, if we're to add extensive list of readings on hackers culture, then both books would be good candidates for inclusion.

To sum up, I think that most important materials here are ESR essay and the movie, because they are more real and relatable than a history book or philosophy of a concrete free software organization (though probably the most important one).
But that's me.

[luccaflower]

I'm not sure this aligns with the purpose of the extra readings section. To me, the extra readings section is for professional and academic treatments of subject matters in or related to CS. The ESR essay and RMS interview are more like manifestos or statements of intent.

I can see The Cathedral and The Bazaar as an appropriate inclusion (and if I recall correctly, it does include an old revision of that essay). It's a bit of a FOSS hackerdom's counterpart to The Mythical Man-Month in some ways, and a bit of a memoir in others. It definitely made a splash at the time.