Being a nerd, which is to say going too far and caring too much about a subject, is the best way to make friends I know. - Sarah Vowell

I recently read A Short Illustrated History of the Nerd and it got me thinking: am I a SAS nerd?

Consider:

• I co-wrote a book about how to use SAS.
• My license plate reads SASDUMMY.
• I've been featured in various YouTube videos about SAS.
• For exactly one year now (happy blogiversary!), I've been writing this blog about SAS-related topics.

Some people might think that's far enough -- that I've achieved SAS nerd-vana. But frankly, I don't think I'm even close. I can think of several ways that I fall short of the mark.

• I don't remember SAS version 5 (before my time).
• I've never had to use punch cards to submit my program.
• I don't use SAS to send e-mail messages to friends (yes, you can do that).
• I didn't name any pets after a SAS procedure ("Here Glimmix! Good boy!"). (But I did use SAS to help name my children.)
• I've never composed a Christmas letter that included a SAS macro reference (although if I did, it might look something like "%let peace='on Earth';")

I've attended many SAS conferences, and I've met some very enthusiastic SAS users. I wouldn't call any of them a "SAS nerd" (at least not in person, though if I did it would be with the utmost respect and affection). I'd guess that many of them might be proud to adopt the title, and I would not deny them that prestige.

As for me, I'll let others be the judge of my nerdiness.