14 replies to this topic

[WolfShield]

Hello everyone,
I am 16 years old and have been interested in computers for a few years now.

Now, I don't know much about computer hardware but I know about a few programming
languages including: Java, C++, Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and LISP. However, I
don't know any one language inside and out, just the basics of many.

I'm looking for a way to make money, I live out in the country and have been thinking
about trying to sell software. Today I just read about hardware programming, and it
looks fun.

So, my question is, do you guys know of any good ideas for a teen making money with
computers, and my skills?

Thanks in advance,

- WolfShield

P.S. I live in Iowa, USA

[Alexander]

Hello WolfShield, I have seen all sorts of people who could make some reasonable pocket cash (or none) from publishing their software online, it could be good practise and look good as a junior programmer's portfolio.

If you were to ask me however I would see it hard to make even a fraction of what you need to live on, advertising would likely be your largest exposure and that would cost money, it could be hard to achieve a gross margin although there are never any certainties.

You could make a more reliable money source out of contracts, i.e. team work on a project with other junior programmers and getting a sum of money for it or whatnot, that could be a good way. It is only an opinion of mine.

[WolfShield]

That sounds like a pretty nice way to make money.
But, do you know of any place where junior programmers get together on projects? I've looked around
for teen programmers but haven't found any websites where they are a large focus. Any ideas in that
area?

Thanks,

- WolfShield

[Alexander]

Ah, I've no clue in that knowledge unfortunately. These things usually occasionally occur on various forums I am unsure.

Maybe somebody else here would know of a place or two.

[WolfShield]

Thank you very much Alexander!
Any other posts with advice or information would be much appreciated.

- WolfShield

[brownhead]

There are a lot of avenues for underage programmers to make a living. I started freelance programming in 8th grade (so when I was about 13 or 14) and was able to find ok work. A good place to start out is somewhere like RentACoder.com or Freelancer.com (or any other site like those) as they will let you get used to working professionally without so much stress (if you screw up, all well, it's not like it'll follow you). The pay isn't so great though, but if you don't quite have the skills yet then it's a great place to start.

After that I'd recommended just posting ads on CraigsList.com or a similar site and trying to get large projects. You should be able to find some good work if you're diligent.

And if you just want to have some fun there's always open source projects. Poke around sourcefourge or github and contribute to some projects.

[gregwarner]

My suggestion would be to try to get in on the mobile game market. There's lots of stories of indie coders striking it rich with a simple yet fun game.

[WolfShield]

Thanks guys!
I have looked into the freelancing jobs, but they all seem to want, like, fifteen languages and ten years experience (exaggerating a little :)).
But the point is, they don't seem to be very new-comer friendly. Am I wrong on this?

- WolfShield

[robbiewoods05]

We could do something together, I'm 14. I know C#, C, C++, HTML, CSS and a little ruby. Reply if you want to talk about it.

[Alexander]

WolfShield said:

Thanks guys!
I have looked into the freelancing jobs, but they all seem to want, like, fifteen languages and ten years experience (exaggerating a little :)).
But the point is, they don't seem to be very new-comer friendly. Am I wrong on this?

You might be looking at the wrong place, freelancing usually is professional (hopefully) contract work and usually you have to be legally able to sign a contract as well or at least agree to it.

If you were, you'd have to find a place that allows a skill set of learning rather than be already certified or adept in.

[WolfShield]

I had another idea the other day.
It seems that it would work out just fine.
So, my idea is, basically, to be a middle-man between a person or company and freelancers. It would help out the person/company in that they don't have to learn a new website, build up rep,
and create an elaborate profile just to have one page on their website altered. Also, the person/company wouldn't have to deal with any people problems should any arise, nor would they have
to try to understand the programmer's lingo, or try to figure out what to categorize their project as if they were not technically inclined.
And it would help the freelancer's in that, since I know the hacker jargon well, they would not have to deal with someone who would be thrown by their lingo, and I could describe what
needed done with technical terms they would understand.

So, what do you guys think of this idea? Good or bad? Is craigslist a good place to advertize for this? And what is a fair fee for a service like this?
Any freelancers on here, it would be nice to hear your opinions especially.

Please tell me what you guys really think about it.

Thanks,

- WolfShield

[Alexander]

I am unsure of the qualifications it would take to do this, it takes a lot of effort to write technical (program and functional) specifications for the jobs. I am sure if you really put yourself out there to learn about this, it could be a great side job (I am sure many people have trouble writing specifications, so that they can pay less for simple jobs.)

I would personally pay per hour especially for writing larger specifications.