The World In Which We Live

	How do you write an introduction to the thirtieth issue of your ezine?  I wish I knew, because for the life of me I couldnt think of anything.  The hacker world has changed so much since I first began this publication, and if you dont believe me, take a moment to think about it.  Instead of staying in bed five more minutes, just give some thought to how much the community, both individually and as a whole, has changed.  When we began, Hackers was relatively new to Sci Fi Channel and other networks, so we were basically riding the wave of all the kids who wanted to be just like Zero Cool.  In fact, one of the first articles of our premiere issue talked about this craze.  It was titled Welcome to the New World and chronicled a small fraction of hacker history, focusing especially on why so many people were coming on board.  It was only just over two years ago, and yet it feels like everything is completely different.  Maybe its just me, or maybe most of the new guys got sick and tired of learning how to crack password files, but it feels like an entirely different world since then.
	Its a better, stronger community.  Its a community that has grown together through such hardships as DMCA, PATRIOT, MPAA, RIAA, and any other letters youd like to stick together.  Hackers have, as I hoped they would, shown the world the dangers of these laws/bills/organizations, and some people are even listening.  Well never be able to change everyones mind, some people refuse to even question authority, but others are more open.  Theyve realized that just because you think differently, doesnt necessarily make you an enemy.  Hackers have remained independent of the world of popular culture, while at the same time, shown people everywhere that theyre not outsiders at all.  Theyre individuals who have something to say, and a solid understanding of the world around them.  After all, who else could explain why increased cyberterrorism is just a clever term thrown out by guys like Donald Big Brother Rumsfeld?
	And now, to ensure at least one paradox is brought into this introduction, allow me to explain why many things have remained the same.  Hackers are still playing with technology, still figuring things out and amazing people the world over with their skill.  Theyve taken the impossible and said been there, done that, when everyone said there was no possible way.  From ptrace exploits to integer overflows, hackers are the equivalent of computer gamestheyre forcing programmers everywhere to push the limits of their code.  Theyre bettering software in general, and showing others how to do the same.  Perhaps someday, when the world isnt so blinded by Microsoft, theyll see that shoddy code cannot be accepted.  The danger of cyberterrorism may be over embellished, but there are criminals out there who wouldnt mind sneaking through a nice, convenient, Microsoft security hole.
	Its hard for some people to understand what Im saying.  Not about the changes, or lack thereof, but about the idea of hackers in general.  After thirty issues, I probably dont have to go into the old what IS a hacker? spiel, but some people demand proof that theres a greater good involved.  Hackers are not accepted as, lets say, ooh I dont know, Microsoft because they dont fit the mold of corporate America.  That mold being if you make it, you should sell it.  Its the capitalist thing to do, and anyone who simply writes code or hacks away at computer problems for fun must be up to no good.  They must be antisocial computer geeks with nothing better to do except hack into personal computers!  After all, the people working for Microsoft are at work, another capitalist ideal.  Theyre earning money for their talents, theyre following The American Dream.  I cant say Ive ever really shared that dream, Ive never craved to be just like Justin Timberlake, but maybe theres just something wrong with me.
	Anyway, hackers are not playing by the rules.  Until they show something for their work, be it a paycheck, or a tool that can better computers as a whole, theyre useless.  Sadly, even as hackers create amazing tools they go more or less ignored by a society that wants spreadsheets and  powerpoint presentations.  Nmap?  Satan?  What the hell are those?  Can I balance my checkbook with them?  
	Theyre programs created by the community, for anyone who could ever want to use them.  Marvels of their own design that can be used to improve computer security to no end, and yet they are all but forgotten.  Instead, what we get are NetIQ broadcasts advertising Microsoft softwarebut hey, thats the world in which we live.  A world, an internet, dominated by business.  Hackers have no place in this world, not until they start doing what they do for money.
	What it all boils down is understanding.  People, specifically non-hackers, are confused by a group who does what they love to do.  Why be a writer if youre never published?  Why be a singer when you dont have a record deal?  Why make movies if the income isnt over at least 70 million?  And most importantly, why share information freelywhen you could be making a buck off of it?  What is this community of people who go around sharing information, demonstrating things instead of showing them in powerpoint presentations?
	Some people get it, some people dont.  Some people thank hackers for showing them when theyre being ripped off, others have them thrown in prison.  Overall, things are slowly changing for the better.  The governments of the world, especially the USAs, are always going to fill peoples mind with propaganda about whats good, and whats evil, theres no stopping it.  Fortunately, by expressing ourselves as a community, and as individuals, maybe we can help change this world.  The peoples voice is getting louder everyday, regardless of what FOX News says about it.  I hope Frequency plays a role in spreading that voice.  

	So, thats how you write an introduction to your thirtieth issue.  Interesting.  So here we are, a new look, a new format, and maybe even a louder voice than ever.  Why the change?  For starters, some people said it makes it a bit neater to give each article its own file.  All people have to do is look at the index, and then open the corresponding text to see the article they want to read.  But hey, let us know what you think of the changes, after all, this is your ezine.  well ok, its mine MUAHAHAHAsorry, heres Freq30.  -screamer
