The document discusses the epistemic cultures of hackers, snowboarders, and jazz performers through an analysis of their improvisational practices. It examines how they engage in place making through flow experiences mediated by their use of technology and instruments. Their epistemic practices are characterized by mentor learning, clear frames of reference, physical closeness when practicing, and a playful seriousness about their craft. Comparing these groups provides perspective on how hackers operate through improvisation within established rules and frameworks.

1. Improvising the Internet The epistemic cultures of Hackers, Snowboarders and Jazz performers Trond Arne Undheim, dr. polit. Norwegian University of Science and Technology AOIR, Maastricht, 13-16 October 2002 http:// aoir .org/2002/

2. If you aim to talk about hackers, why this detour?

13. Please consider Jazz quartet Snowboard group Software firm Dave Brubeck Quartet Totten Happy Campers Opentech* * Fictitious name Jazz performers Snowboarders Hackers

33. Taking it all together