Hacker as a ugly word (Score 1)

I think that one (of many) reason(s) that media
use the word "hacker" is that gives you the
idea of a lunatic/madman/freak waving a large
and sharp axe attacking our "world of order".
This gives media (especially "trash" media) a
nice word to describe the abusers of our
technology.

A hacker, in the original context, is a
craftsman/woman who is an expert in his/her
computer/programming craft. In other crafts;
a surgeon is a good example, as well as the
mechanics "team Hakkinen" (*) uses to win
Formula 1 racing.
In other words, extremly a "hacker" is a
skilled expert in his/her problem domain.

We need a new word, and the word should also
aply to other craft, so that everyone knows
what we are talking about; otherwise media
is going to screw it up again...

As a suggestion, I have none. I try to excuse
myself as not being native english speaking,
so I can't suggest anything sensible.


(*) I am not sure if this is the correct
spelling...