So with all this geek discussion on the chat box, I thought I'd ask - what exactly is a geek to you? I don't mean get definitions from other places - what makes you a geek?

Its a hard thing to define! I would say that a geek is into things that most, lets call them "mainstream" folks, aren't. Its a very broad definition, but its a broad base of interests.

Sometimes a "geek" will be sooo into something that it willt overshadow other aspects of life. The Japanese Otaku is this kind of geek. Its a much stronger/negative aspect of Geekery.

I would call myself a geek (and not be ashamed) cos I love computers. A lot. I like information. I want to learn everything. I have many hobbies, and enjoy them all. I remember being called a geek in highschool because I liked photography and blues music. I spent most lunchtimes discussing/trying different exposure levels etc and playing blues music with my mate in the music room. Never thought that being a geek made me an outcast, I was just doing what I wanted to do.

Wow, that was long.

is there a distinction between geeks and nerds?

I think there is but it would be not much of a distinction. Maybe you could say that nerds are the folks that study all the time. Geeks are the ones with the "weird" hobbies....?

What do you play, warhawk?

Instruments? Guitar, bass, and drums. Lately I've been doing a bit of synth/Kbds for laying some stuff down on PC.

Nerds - are dorky uncool studious types, study study study.
The worlds second richest man was a big ole nerd, so often nerds laugh last.


Geeks - broad term really, The "_______" Geek is one division of geekdom: computer, manga, anime, gaming, chess, Tolkien, etc.
I wouldnt associate Geek with playing music though.

Dont forget the "freaks" - Fattwins is a "gear-freak"

You may be right, SG, but I can talk about effects chains and tweak settings on an amp or synth-effects rack from night until i see daylight outside... People not of the same ilk tend to get bored with me pretty quick! Maybe this could be considered geeky.. Dunno, I just do it.

Nerds have thick buddy holly specs with a plaster over the bridge and wear knitted tank tops, geeks have spots and can't play sports.......only joking!!

Nerd

So how does the word "otaku" work with geeks and/or nerds?

Otaku is a whole other level in my book. These guys/girls can be downright creepy. Not all of them, of course but the ones I had contact with (in Nova) freaked me out sometimes. I made the mistake of finding a common interest with this one guy and he creeped me the fjork out!
I've never really come across a western version of Otaku... Its a special class for sure and I really don't think you can be Otaku unless you are Japanese. MAybe thats a good thing

Surely there must be different degrees of otaku.

I was called a "pie otaku" by a colleague.

i think theres a special level of otaku for foreigners. I've been called Otaku by most Japanese friends and every Japanese girlfriend I had. But it was more of an affectionate term than a "kimoi" term.