In science-fiction-fan-speak there's a phenomenon called 'egoboo.'…It means a boost in reputation. Hackers operate in a gift economy in which giant-size egos compete with one another for attention and reputation on the Net. If you do something cool, like reduce the length of a subroutine by 50 percent, you score major egoboo.

The IRS refused a tax exemption for St. Louis Science Fiction Limited, whose principal activity is holding an annual convention that includes a masquerade party, a sing-along and an auction. Panelists discuss such topics as "What's so Horrible about Horror?" and "I'm Doing This for Ego-boo."