The Technoid's Code

Adapted from 'The Amateur's Code' as published in the 'Radio Amateur's Handbook' by the American Radio Relay League

• A Technoid is considerate. He or she never knowingly uses their hobby as a weapon to diminish the pleasure of others. Technoids do not start arguments like 'This hardware is better than that hardware' or 'my operating system is better than yours.' Rather, a true Technoid will evaluate the merits of many options, based on the requirements of the situation, and will adopt the best possible solution.



• A Technoid is helpful. A Technoid will, wherever possible and comfortable for them, offer accurate and unbiased (as possible) advice and assistance on purchasing, building, restoring or repairing, computer and electronic equipment. While offering this assistance, a Technoid will never make judgemental statements about the gear they're helping with, no matter how old or 'obsolete' it may seem. Positive suggestions, however, are appropriate if implementing them would have a positive effect on the desired end result of the project in question.

• A Technoid is 'market wise.' He or she will never purchase any computer component, system, or upgrade solely on the basis of it being marketed as 'Better!' or 'Latest and Greatest!' Rather, a true Technoid will carefully evaluate the component, system, or upgrade in question and will only buy it if it contributes significantly to the Technoid's activities. When buying the item in question, the Technoid will always seek the best possible deal (see below).



• A Technoid does not waste. If any piece of computer or electronic gear in a Technoid's collection no longer serves a useful function, it will NOT be consigned to the local landfill or recycler until and unless every effort is made (including donation if need be) to find it a good home with someone who can use it. This part of the Code may be ignored if retaining possession of the item in question would hinder the payoff of critical debts, such as rent, mortgage or food, or if it would present storage space problems for other gear that is in current use.



• A Technoid fights waste. Wherever and whenever they can, a Technoid will actively fight against policies that consign perfectly useful equipment to the crusher, recycler, or similar non-reusable fate. This can include (but may not be limited to): battling wasteful policies at their employer (Motorola is a prime example of an incredibly wasteful and hobbyist-hostile company, at least where surplus gear is concerned); performing after-hours dumpster-diving; and actively suggesting uses for surplus equipment where the original owner exhibits ignorance about what to do with it.



• A Technoid is thrifty. When shopping for equipment or parts, a Technoid will make the rounds of all available sources, including electronics-oriented swap meets and computer/electronic surplus stores, until the best possible deal is found. A Technoid will attempt to bargain with the merchant involved, if permitted by local circumstance and if they believe that the deal is less than optimum, but they will not offer less than a price that they feel is the fair minimum for the equipment, taking into account the equipment's condition, purpose, age, and the mindset of the seller. If agreement cannot be reached, or if the seller is obviously interested only in greed and how much they can make on a given deal, the Technoid will seek elsewhere.



• A Technoid is balanced. Computers and electronics are hobbies. They must never be permitted to actively interfere with a Technoid's job or family life. In cases where a Technoid has a technically-oriented job, overlap is encouraged to a degree left to the best judgement and common sense of the Technoid involved and their immediate supervisor.



• A Technoid is fair. When selling or trading equipment, a Technoid must not succumb to greed. Profit will not be the primary motive for any price set, and a Technoid will be willing to bargain within reason. Said bargaining will take into account the type, age, purpose, and condition of the equipment, along with any dollars and effort spent on repair, reconditioning or documentation (minus depreciation). It is also important to consider the buyer. If all the buyer plans to do is smash the equipment for scrap or precious metals, the Technoid will refuse to sell to them, even if they offer more than the asking price of the equipment.



• A Technoid looks out for the Internet. The Internet was, before the NSF dropped the restrictions on advertising and commercial use, a tremendous resource for people all over the world to exchange information, software, and ideas. It still is, but its resources are now being needlessly polluted by the seemingly endless 'spamming' (mass posting of advertisements, either in Usenet or through bulk E-mail) going on today. If active on the Internet, a Technoid will actively fight for an end to spamming to the best of their ability and resources.

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