As a 15-year-old computer geek, I felt compelled to voice my opinion.
I've operated a small Web design/hosting firm for the past few years, and I know first-hand that there are many advantages to capitalizing on the Internet at a young age (not the least of which is enjoying tax-exempt status;-). However, anonymity is (unfortunately) always necessary. Even if I have loads of experience and references, a potential client will invariably hesitate about handing a large project over to a kid. The ability to telecommute is the only reason youths can wield such power online. Anyone would balk at receiving legal advice from an adolescent, even if he seems legitimate and intelligent. It's all about stereotypes. This is why I have no clients locally; telecommuting simply isn't an option. The Internet is the ideal security blanket.
There's no doubt that the revolution has begun, but in my opinion, it will be a very long time before 15-year-olds like myself will be accepted by the general public alongside brick-and-mortar consultants and businesspeople.
Slashdot Mirror
As a 15-year-old computer geek, I felt compelled to voice my opinion.
I've operated a small Web design/hosting firm for the past few years, and I know first-hand that there are many advantages to capitalizing on the Internet at a young age (not the least of which is enjoying tax-exempt status ;-). However, anonymity is (unfortunately) always necessary. Even if I have loads of experience and references, a potential client will invariably hesitate about handing a large project over to a kid. The ability to telecommute is the only reason youths can wield such power online. Anyone would balk at receiving legal advice from an adolescent, even if he seems legitimate and intelligent. It's all about stereotypes. This is why I have no clients locally; telecommuting simply isn't an option. The Internet is the ideal security blanket.
There's no doubt that the revolution has begun, but in my opinion, it will be a very long time before 15-year-olds like myself will be accepted by the general public alongside brick-and-mortar consultants and businesspeople.