I told some friends of mine one day exactly what it is that I need from life:
On Slashdot, an article can be posted that refers to 'Linus' or 'RMS' or 'ESR' , and virtually everyone knows who you're talking about.

This goes beyond mere name recognition. This is subcultural iconism.

Some people are driven by a desire for money. Others by a desire for power.
I am driven by a need to be known. I want people I've never met to be able to have a conversation, say "Marty did such-and-such", and for everybody to know who they're talking about.

I want to be mentioned, if only in passing, on Slashdot and Wired News.