What part of "I'm a nerd, the term is a shorthand, not an insult" are people having so much trouble with?

I've been a systems programmer since 1994. I do not believe that you honestly believe that I think "nerd" is an insult. It beggars belief. Please find a better way to be irritated with me; this is such a stupid one.

Why not just go the extra mile and call me a "self-hating nerd"? At least that would make sense.