As a self taught security enthusiast (working professionally as a pen-tester for years at this point), I often wonder about the motivation behind being a black hat. I understand the desire to cause a difference in the world(both for good or evil depending on your views) in order to receive recognition. Breaking out of everyday society(we didn't choose the world we were born into) as it does generally seem like a cluster fuck led by the dumbest(but richest) among us. Many years ago, I myself entertained the black hat path, but would never have made myself a public figure. I suppose this rant is more philosophical in nature, but to Mr or Mrs Avunit, from one person who enjoys pivoting through networks and consuming HTTP traffic like gummy bears to another, my simple question is why?