I may have inadvertently implied that the label of "nerd" is a bad thing. This was not my intent. While I'm not a fan of broad labels, despite their recognized necessity at times, I wouldn't be, and am not, offended by being called a nerd. Furthermore, I realize that any term, can be used at a term of affection, and nerd is no different (Ma has been known to say "you little shit" in reference to me). Conotation is more important that denotation.
I'd love to get into a discussion of labels and naming rights, but I think that's beyond the scope of this thread.