Geek, Dweeb, Dork or Nerd

This is the distinction for me. I didn't do particularly well in school (average at best). I wasn't a brainiac or gifted. I just happened to be caught up in my own head, daydreaming about fantasy worlds. Doing weird things like playing D&D and video games and reading books instead of watching TV or listening to cool music (though I was into Metallica and a few other heavy metal things at the time).

This disconnect still occurs somewhat today. I'm into things that people around me aren't really into. Though my new(ish) neighbours are big geeks (like pros compared to my perpetual amateur), so now I have the opportunity to be among my people.

This is a part of my inner conflict. Part of me wants to be "normal" and accepted, but a stronger part of me says that "normal" sucks and it will destroy your soul. I've spent much of my life in a kind of Limbo, where I won't just give in to who I am—I'll just dabble.

I'm working to overcome this. I've tried "normal" too often, and it fails catastrophically. I'm not "normal" (whatever that means). Who cares if people look at me like a freak (or like I'm immature even)—refer back to Simon Pegg's words. At least I won't share their miseries of having lost my imagination and idealism.

I don't want to lose my imagination and idealism.

Fuck the real world.

 

I'm a geek. I focus on something and it takes over my life until I get it out of my system. That knowledge remains for years after, and I remain able to regurgitate it as needed.

I have geeked out on Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate, Battleship Galactica, and probably others... Sci fi. I have geeked out on botany , horticulture ... And all things plant really. I have geeked out on compost. Also disorders of the female endocrine system, natural birth techniques, and lactation. Oh, and early child nutrition. I like go be able to navigate scientific lit on any given biological topic.

 

I'm not really clear on where the distinction lies between geek and nerd.

I make my living typing indecipherable stuff on little black and green terminal windows. That indecipherable stuff is what makes the internet work. I get paid a pretty decent living for doing this.

I enjoy technology and all of the myriad ways it enhances modern life.

I have a drive to understand how things work. As a kid I took apart all of my toys. My success rate for putting them back together again was less than perfect, but I learned a lot in the process.

I play video games. I don't have as much time for them as I used to, but I try to keep up on what's popular.

I watch Star Wars and Doctor Who. I listen to nerdcore and sometimes hang out in IRC chatrooms. I've had the term 'BOFH' applied to me in a manner that's not completely joking.

I don't know what all of that makes me. I don't actually care. Labels never meant a whole hell of a lot to me.

 

Yes, I'm the same way too.
BUT think of all the great references and analogies you have.
Gives you a catch-phrase at anytime. Or a cool thing to what you're experiencing or explaining.

And to extend your Geekdom...they actually appreciate all these good references on the internet. (+1 Internets for you...)

Fuck'em The idiots who don't understand can take a flying leap.
You live at a whole level they cannot comprehend. (and sadly...nor do they want to)
Their loss.

 

That's a bingo...

 

More specifically, a geek watches the Star Wars trilogy, while a nerd reads the Mars trilogy.

 

Well...now you're describing someone who has transitioned from Geek/Nerd to Dork/Dweeb. (like a butterfly)
Geek & Nerd have now become "hip" in media and mindset...while Dork & Dweeb still have a negative context.

I'm guilty of what you described above...even on my posts the board.
It varies moment to moment and by mood.
That's why I say I'm all the above.

Sometime someone is SO excited about the topic they are interested in...that they are oblivious to the listener's interest level.
But that also can be said for some jocks and sports-fan...there is only so far I want to discuss play, stats and such.
Or weapons...or gear...or or or...
It's for ANY topic or interest...the key is to recognize social cues...something I think many fail at, at times.

It's only that "certain" interests are more acceptable at the time...those often in the "in" tease or look-down on those who do not sync.
Just wait...some day, you'll be in TMI mode.
It's a condition that affects most.

 

What am I today... hmmm...
I'm dealing with spreadsheets of raw genetics data from spaceflight-grown seedlings while watching Stargate. Would this be a nerd and a dweeb at the same time? Or maybe just an all-out geek?

 

Depends on which phase of my life I was in.

And now, which topic...

I really haven't been a Dork or a Dweeb since my emergence from the cocoon of my teens, figuring out how to talk to with others (especially girls, but also other guys...at least socially oriented ones)
And I learned how to dress with some style too.

Since I'm a media junkie, that represents my Geek side...and I still like movies, TV, comics, fantasy and games.
Nerd-side...it's all about the sciences, especially Physics...but also Genetics, Psychology, Sociology and Computers...including cutting edge.