[CaptechPhD]

Responses to my threads, both positive and negative, often trigger random ideas or challenge me to think about an issue a little more critically. Today I got thinking about how although I may be the odd man out on this forum (as a nerdy PhD student), I am sure that there are some similarities between researchers and hackers. Some ideas that came to mind include:

1. Hackers are intelligent. Although some may have done well in school, this is not a reflection of their intelligence. This is a reflection of how the traditional education system doesn't address their intellectual needs or interests. All the hackers I have spoken to in the course of my research, are for the most part self-taught. That is impressive. Researchers are also intelligent. Maybe not in the same way as hackers, but I have had to engage in a lot of self-directed learning, use critical thinking skills and I also didn't enjoy high school.

2. Importance of reputation and having someone vouch for you. In the world of hacking, reputation is important. That is why forums have scoring systems and many require a noob to have someone vouch for them. As a researcher, your reputation is also very important. It is important to be known as an ethical researcher. One wants to publish in well-respected journals. My study very much depends on me being able to collect sufficient data. It is my hope that someone on this forum who has participated in my research (past or present) will spread the word that I am legit doing research for my dissertation.

3. We are critical thinkers. Hackers are critical thinkers. They are critical of the world around them and existing societal structures. They think outside the box. The very best hackers, think in ways no one has before. Researchers also think critically about the world. Just because something is a certain way doesn't mean it is right. We strive to better understand so we can improve on existing methods, practices etc.

These are just a few ideas that came to mind. Do you agree? Disagree? Don't care about my random thoughts? LOL

[Epic]

I definitely understand your thought process. I'm an adult now with a professional job, no interest in any black hat activities other than general knowledge and understanding. I'm back on this site after being away for many years. Used to come here and try to learn how to scam for runescape accounts... or spend $5 on a money making ebook that never ended up working. Good times. I grew out of it in my younger years, went to college, graduate school, and now work professionally.

For some reason this site drew me back in. I'm sick of spending time in shitty discords full of bitchy idiots. I tried to get back on reddit, but oh my god is it a cesspool. Idiot after idiot on reddit, feels like I'm reading bots talking to each (which I probably was to some extent).

Logging back into HF, and reading some of the conversations and posts has been a breath of fresh air. Might be weird to say... but it's refreshing to talk to people and read posts from people who seem intelligent, or at the very least, have some critical thinking skills.

[P1N7]

Having phd in your handle is the real thesis here.

[CaptechPhD]

I definitely understand your thought process. I'm an adult now with a professional job, no interest in any black hat activities other than general knowledge and understanding. I'm back on this site after being away for many years. Used to come here and try to learn how to scam for runescape accounts... or spend $5 on a money making ebook that never ended up working. Good times. I grew out of it in my younger years, went to college, graduate school, and now work professionally.

For some reason this site drew me back in. I'm sick of spending time in shitty discords full of bitchy idiots. I tried to get back on reddit, but oh my god is it a cesspool. Idiot after idiot on reddit, feels like I'm reading bots talking to each (which I probably was to some extent).

Logging back into HF, and reading some of the conversations and posts has been a breath of fresh air. Might be weird to say... but it's refreshing to talk to people and read posts from people who seem intelligent, or at the very least, have some critical thinking skills.

Great to meet you (sort of). I have had a similar experience. While I do get the odd bizarre and/or nasty response to my posts on the forums, I have also had lots of thoughtful and insightful responses. I really appreciate those who take time to engage in discussion. I am here to learn and gain some familiarity with this community. I hear you about discord. I was recently referred to as a "f'ing waste of a human" simply because I indicated that I am a researcher. Who knew researchers were so hated?!?!?! LOL I am glad that you are having a good experience here on HF.

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Having phd in your handle is the real thesis here.

I must admit, I don't really know what your response means. The reason I chose CaptechPhD as my handle was because I wanted to be upfront in identifying myself as a grad student researcher and quite frankly I couldn't think of a cool hacker handle. LOL

I would say I am open to suggestions, but I know my audience and I am pretty sure I wouldn't want to go by any of the names that would be suggested for me. ;)

[Purgatory]

Responses to my threads, both positive and negative, often trigger random ideas or challenge me to think about an issue a little more critically. Today I got thinking about how although I may be the odd man out on this forum (as a nerdy PhD student), I am sure that there are some similarities between researchers and hackers. Some ideas that came to mind include:

1. Hackers are intelligent. Although some may have done well in school, this is not a reflection of their intelligence. This is a reflection of how the traditional education system doesn't address their intellectual needs or interests. All the hackers I have spoken to in the course of my research, are for the most part self-taught. That is impressive. Researchers are also intelligent. Maybe not in the same way as hackers, but I have had to engage in a lot of self-directed learning, use critical thinking skills and I also didn't enjoy high school.

2. Importance of reputation and having someone vouch for you. In the world of hacking, reputation is important. That is why forums have scoring systems and many require a noob to have someone vouch for them. As a researcher, your reputation is also very important. It is important to be known as an ethical researcher. One wants to publish in well-respected journals. My study very much depends on me being able to collect sufficient data. It is my hope that someone on this forum who has participated in my research (past or present) will spread the word that I am legit doing research for my dissertation.

3. We are critical thinkers. Hackers are critical thinkers. They are critical of the world around them and existing societal structures. They think outside the box. The very best hackers, think in ways no one has before. Researchers also think critically about the world. Just because something is a certain way doesn't mean it is right. We strive to better understand so we can improve on existing methods, practices etc.

These are just a few ideas that came to mind. Do you agree? Disagree? Don't care about my random thoughts? LOL

I can agree, I mean, everyone is really self-taught I believe.

[CaptechPhD]

I can agree, I mean, everyone is really self-taught I believe.

That is something that I find really impressive about hackers, the extent to which they are self-taught. Obviously it is easy to learn a basic level of skill in most things online. But some hackers are incredibly self-motivated and dedicate a lot of time to learning everything they can to improve their skill. They don't stop at basics.