CULT OF THE DEAD COW, also known as cDc or cDc Communications, is a computer hacker and DIY media organization founded in Lubbock, Texas. The group was formed in June 1984 at the Farm Pac slaughterhouse by Grandmaster Ratte’ (aka Swamp Ratte’), Franken Gibe, and Sid Vicious, three BBS SysOps. The slaughterhouse, a hangout of many Lubbock youth, burned in 1996.

In 1991, cDc was named “Sassiest Underground Computer Group” by Sassy Magazine. Also in 1991, the group began distributing music in the form of cassette tape albums sold through its post office box. Many of these albums are now available online in their entirety.

October 1994 saw the creation of the cDc’s Usenet newsgroup, alt.fan.cult-dead-cow. It was thus the first hacking group to have its own Usenet newsgroup. In November of that year, the group claimed responsibility for giving Ronald Reagan Alzheimer’s disease, claiming to have done so in 1986 with a blowgun.

The cDc declared war on the Church of Scientology in 1995 during the alt.religion.scientology controversy, stating:

“We believe that El Ron Hubbard [sic] is actually none other than Heinrich Himmler of the SS, who fled to Argentina and is now responsible for the stealing of babies from hospitals and raising them as ‘super-soldiers’ for the purpose of overthrowing the U.S. Fed. Govt. in a bloody revolution. We fear plans for a ‘Fourth Reich’ to be established on our home soil under the vise-like grip of oppression known as Scientology!”

In 1997, before online distribution of audio files was common, the cDc began distributing original MP3-format music on its website.

In February 2000, the cDc was the subject of an 11-minute documentary short entitled “Disinformation.” Also in February 2000, cDc member Mudge briefed President Bill Clinton on internet security.

To further the Cult’s stated goal of “Global Domination Through Media Saturation,” over the years cDc members have granted interviews to major newspapers, print magazines, online news sites, and international television news programs.

 _   _
((___))
[ x x ]
 \   /
 (‘ ‘)
  (U)

cDc’s ASCII cowskull logo