8 Bit geekdom
 

does sitting around and reading 8 bit theater all day make us geeks? Especially when there's MUD's out there to play?

No. Just you.

I don't like the term geeks. I prefer Superior Race.

I don't like how (many, though not all) geeks label themselves as superior, when most of them work in computing. And are unpopular. And are unjustified in their arrogance.

Yeah... but I'm an UBER geek *nod nod* cuz I snowboard and stuff. In any case.. 8 bit theater kicks ass, and we're all privilegized to be able to read it... thanks Brian for taking your time so we can waste ours with such a homorous and addictive piece of literature.
Oh and many geeks today are considered valuable members of society. The definition of a geek has evolved, due to their increasing role in today's modern world. Geeks now do more than sit in front of the computer all day, at least most do. I, myself am a self admitted geek, and when I'm not MUDding, playing some sort of RPG or shooter or strategy, watching science fiction and/or anime, I snowboard, play paintball, and party, amongst other non-geekish thing, but the very fact that I like TOS makes me a geek. Anyway, geek means much more than what it use to.

You are already on the path, just by being here long enough to post.

I am beyond geek, uber-geek, or anything else. Generally, telling people my list of hobbies, society affiliations, etc. makes people give me odd looks and back slowly away, since I generally don't focus in anything, but rather stretch myself over a huge amount of terrain. SCA, 8-Bit, Discordia, DnD, Classical Music (composition, performance, and history expertice)... yeah... We consider ourselves superior, because, for the most part, we're smarter, nicer people than the rest of the world. It is for our superiority that we are discriminated, and our low-tollerance for those of lesser intellegence makes us reclusive. Of course, there are those who have no applicable tallent (say, anime freaks who don't do anything else, though not all of them, even) who I wouldn't include in the "superior race" catagory. Most regular posters on this sight, I would include. And of course myself out of general arrogance...

Edit: and name one well-paying realistic job that does not involve computers these days?

*bows*
Oh great masters, please do not destroy me for my lowliness! For, I have achieved only the third level in geekiness.... Please, allow me to be of service to you, oh great masters!

Your argument is flawed and it is for these reasons that I have come to despise "geeks". You label yourself as "Smart". This does not necessarily apply to all of you. By the definition of many geeks whom I have know intelligence would seem to be: a. Being able to program. b. Knowing the rules of dungeons and dragons. I realise this does not apply to everyone, but still
its a fair point as it applies to a considerable number. Most people are intelligent enough to realise that they are not intelligent. This "false intelligence" has been built up by modern schooling. Most people are not intelligent, they can be clever. But very few are actually intelligent. Their numbers include very few geeks. Indeed mainly they are very social people.
A second flaw in your argument is that geeks are "nice". I don't know what sort of geeks you've met, but the ones that I have come into contact with have been extremely condescending (as above believing themselves to be superior), when people attempt to snap them back to reality I have found that they often become very hostile. Thus they become isolated, cause heck, no-one likes a stuck up jerk. Most people are tolerant. Most people will give others a chance.
And finally as a sort of conculsion-ette, I'd like to make the point that you. Are. Not. Superior. Get. Over. Yourself. No-one is superior. Everyone, yes thats right everyone, is deserving of the same rights and respect as everyone else.

(Oh and by the phrase "work in computing" I meant programmers and the like)