If you asked me to name the one person who, more than anyone, was responsible for making nerds acceptable... well, I'm not exactly a huge fan of his, but I think I'd have to say Bill Gates.
First, Windows made computers more usable to more people. Admittedly, Apple did it first and better, but Gates did more to bring it to the masses, simply because Apple had so little market share. Second- and perhaps more importantly- he made a s***load of money doing that. Americans have a strong anti-intellectual streak, but they do respect the ability to make unholy amounts of cash.
I lost it (Score:5, Funny)
Around the years of the dot-com boom, successful nerds were driving Ferraris and going to cool parties.
Damn, I spent all this time playing online MUDs. Why nobody invited me?
Re:I lost it (Score:5, Insightful)
First, Windows made computers more usable to more people. Admittedly, Apple did it first and better, but Gates did more to bring it to the masses, simply because Apple had so little market share. Second- and perhaps more importantly- he made a s***load of money doing that. Americans have a strong anti-intellectual streak, but they do respect the ability to make unholy amounts of cash.