naithemilkman

It's time to pivot away from the term 'pivot'.

rails and django are both extensions from the ruby and python community. if you know your programming well, you'll be able to grok it in whatever framework you choose. on that note, i'll bet my last penny python's community is more vibrant than ruby. ruby is essentially dead without rails whereas python thrives quite happily without django.

Well, I have an irrelevant college degree and I'm doing exactly this at 28 yrs of age. It's been about 4-5 months and I've done enough in this period to join a web development company as an intern. So, YES, it can be done if you're passionate about it.

You can check out my blog for some ideas on what to build/read to get started. I started with Python though not PHP. pragmaticstartup.wordpress.com

nice story and congratulations!

What is your end goal? Do you really need 'Rockstar' skills to accomplish that? If your aim is to say build a functioning webapp, you can probably do it in 1-2 months by yourself. I started from scratch in Feb and released www.sgelections2011.com 2-3 weeks ago.

I think for 'business' guys out there feeling the need to be technical (like myself), don't forget that you're not trying to be the CTO (unless you really want to then its going take a lifetime of commitment). The tech is merely a tool for you to understand the technical aspects of the business better, not for you to take over it. Sooner or later, you want to get a real techie who lives and breathes it to come in and take charge.

Personally, I had a 6 month deadline to create a complete databound website by myself. Like I mentioned, I did in in about 2 months and wrote about that experience on my blog pragmaticstartup.wordpress.com if you feel like reading it.

Hope this helps.

I am teaching myself python/django. Started around January this year, released www.sgelections2011.com about 2 weeks ago. Bring it on :)

P.S I'm actually looking for a Django Jedi Master to take my under his wing for a bit. Think I got the basics down but lack a experienced eye to see that obvious mistakes I'm making. Thanks!

Short blog post about hitting my goal here: http://pragmaticstartup.wordpress.com/2011/04/16/my-first-da...

Honestly, just spend a weekend and start doing it and see how far you go. Really, just do it. Less conversation, more action please.

Long answer here on Quora http://www.quora.com/How-does-Gilts-business-model-work

Over 100 books listed here suggested for a similar question on Quora: http://www.quora.com/Book-Recommendations/What-books-should-...?

The next question you might ask is: how much time should I spend between reading/learning vs. actually doing stuff which this question might help: http://www.quora.com/How-much-time-should-entrepreneurs-spen...

Nice share thanks!

30K from reddit? or varied sources? that's amazing and congratulations!

Why downvote? I love techmeme too!

The app makes money through adwords and its enough to pay for your rent?

I'm teaching myself to code and blogging about my journey. I write about some of the issues you mention like how to get a domain and set it up and all that. It's not that difficult but it looks hella intimidating doesn't it? Anyway, you might find it helpful: http://pragmaticstartup.wordpress.com/2011/02/13/how-i-am-le... and http://pragmaticstartup.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/how-i-am-le... ->this probably more relevant because I talk about the first few apps I worked on.

Yeah I definitely see your point now. Thanks for replying.

I guess I was looking at it from a point of view of 'what it is now'. A kind of dropbox+iTunes mashup.

You're coming from a 'what it could be' which is at best guess in your own words, unclear. Right now they are using music as a beach head into the market. In future it could be something video or word processing related.

Is that what you're trying to say?

I don't get your example? You cite one use of the iPad and compared it to my statement. So this means I'm looking at it too narrowly? Elaborate please?

Am I correct to say that this is essentially a web based version of iTunes?

Really undermines the whole initiative and makes a mockery of those in charge.

Don't forget that the code is merely a tool for your business.

or FB Connect

I see your point. But apologies if this sounds insensitive as I am not American and I am not privy to the social complexities that exists. What I think is that as budding entrepreneurs all trying to figure out some method from this madness, I think we ought to celebrate the success of everyone and anyone who has made it. Black, white, blue, green whatever. Singling out someone because of skin colour I feel almost contravenes the spirit of YC and hacker news. We are all here because of ideals and passion, beliefs and doggedness. I think I speak for most people when I say the community at HN is by and large colour blind.

What makes Michael Seibel special is not because he is Black but because he has succeeded at least on some level where many have tried and failed. So your last sentence "...was just wondering if anyone that looks like ME has EVER made it." is really coming from a wrong angle IMO.

I really don't think YC cares about ethnicity. I also don't quite get the point of this post.

Anyone else feel old?

Am I the only guy who doesn't get it? What's the value add here? What problem is being solved?

I think it looks sexy :)

Why won't you mention your 200 hours? Conversation killer with the chicks?

Its not working!! :)

Well my point was more that Instagram exposed enough data such that RJ Metrics were able to get access to enough information to extrapolate the cohort retention rates.