Alpha Geeks, Alpha Male...Alpha ?

The quest for dominance is inherent in man, and imo, is what has driven innovation to the height it has attained today.

The term alpha has been used to describe the individual whom the others follow(see Wikipedia). In humans the alpha male refers to a man who is powerful or in high social position.In business, academics, politics or sports alpha's seem to take the lead and influence the directions of such endeavors.

Ever since Tim O'Reilly used the term 'Alpha Geek' in his talk, many writers, bloggers and and commentators have used used the term and have tried to describe the alpha geek. The simplest description being:

Alpha geeks are typically experimenting with technology. In software development they are the
people who first try new languages and frameworks. They are also inclined to build things to
solve their problems if there isn't a viable alternative out there. Although they can be wedded
to a particular platform, most of them will use what makes them most effective, hopping between platforms. they are very passionate about software development and spend more time, often spare time, reading books, going to conference, and tinkering.

You are an alpha geek if most of the following applies to you:

If you got your email around say 1978, when the internet was still an embryo

If you remember details well, but tend to forget your spouse birthday and the dry-cleaning.

If you can't trust software unless you've written it... (according to Martin Fowler)