That first line ("Coding is sort of like a superpower; with it you can create things that millions of people see.") exactly nails it for me. That's what made me switch about fifteen years ago: I was a geographer (of all things :) with a Master's degree and I was working for a research company.
And then I met the internet and instantly knew that I wanted to be building stuff there. So at the tender age of thirty I did my first little scripts. Today I like to think am a pretty seasoned web developer with lots of projects under my belt. I could never ever beat the hardcore coders at the company I work for (I'll always be the allrounder) but I have not regretted learning code for one day. To be able to make something out of almost nothing and publish it all by yourself is simply wonderful.
Very professional, I would say. Even though as a Dutchman I'm not really familiar with the concept, I immediatly understood what you are offering. The call to action couldn't be more straightforward and the "works with.." section does exactly what it needs to do. The safety pin is a nice touch.
Also, I can appreciate what you've done and why: I'm an allround developer, so when my wife and I were looking for a name for my oldest child, I quickly decided to build a name site myself. It's online in two languages: in Dutch as http://www.zeevannamen.nl and in English as http://www.valleyofnames.com.
I'd be happy to have a banner pointing to you site, if you wish? Maybe we can cooperate in other ways as well. Let me know if you have any thoughts on that.
I'm 43 (and a HN-lurker as well) and I am edging towards starting mine too. Having two kids and a house, I think I know how you feel. Must be as scary as it is exciting. Hopefully I will be able to 'join' you soon.
In the meantime: all the best to you and your start up!
And you said it well: I hope we get rich, or at least be profitable.
I liked the article. But whether or not I agree with the author is irrelevant. What strikes me here most is to see things like this discussed in depth and intelligently in Hacker News. That's magnificent and somehow heart-warming. I have to say: I love this site :-)
About your last line: Some people do indeed seem to just be in the right place at the right time and have good things fall in their lap just like that. Even while playing WoW :) But no, I think ultimately only your own hard work is the best possible guarantee for success.
Good point, but don't get me wrong: I don't work at too many things at the same time. Of the two things I'm working on now, one is rather simple, so I don't think I'm dividing my energy over too many things.
(And also, when I get excited about something, I just can't wait to do at least some work on it :-)
Wonderful read. Your story could be mine. I completely understand all the things you’re saying. I know what it feels like to have two small kids, a job, a mortgage, having to get up at night to feed a baby and dreaming of having your own succesful business. I have been developing my own sites for the last decade, without ever being really succesful (in terms of money). I’ve been working at my own computer from eight in the evening until I can’t keep my eyes open. Almost every night, and many saturdays and sundays. Sometimes in the middle of the night, when I can’t sleep (which happenes quite often :-).
Even though the lack of succes is at times wildly dissapointing, especially when seeing friends having good academic careers (a path I could have chosen), and even though I feel tired at almost any moment of any day, I’m not complaining. Not once. I cannot help but go on with the next application, and the next and the next. It’s my dream, and one day I will succeed.
I currently have two things in the pipeline, for which I have the same high hopes again - even though the odds are against me :-)
I hope you do well. Instead of just talking about the things you could do (like many people), you act. And you work long days. You deserve your succes, and I hope you will have your deserved succes one day, hopefully just as me.
Ah, and perhaps most importantly: I found your post to be very motivational. Keep it up!