I don't remember where I read it, but you're only a true hacker if some arbitrarily large enough community has bestowed that label upon you. As of today, hacker is almost synonymous with programmer, and people who can compile a C++ program sometimes think themselves as 'hackers'. It's kind of sad, but I don't really care. The media has long since killed the term for general usage.
ESR's "How to become a Hacker" guide lists:
"Has a well-established member of the hacker community ever called you a hacker?" as a requirement. I guess that's what you were thinking of.
Question 2: Which of these systems do you have control over? (Circle all that apply.)
A1: National Electric Grid A2: Local Electric Grid A3: Any Television Station A4: Any Cellphone Tower A5: Any Satellite A6: Your neighbor's wireless router
The term "hacker" has become so diluted by forums like this one that it's totally meaningless. Calling yourself a hacker at this point is just a form of self-aggrandizement.
