To my mind, there are two angles to address. On the one hand, your argument really makes the most sense in the scope of "for people with a background in software", and due to the unique nature of software use and development, I don't think it would easily transfer to other domains. So, you can content yourself with making a point about people with a background in software.
Second, by bringing up free computer access at a library, it connects the point you're trying to make with the really complicated nuances around poverty. Even assuming we ignore smartphones and tablets (because how can you get any work done on one?), the demographic that only has access to a device with a keyboard at a public library is going to be almost entirely facing (at least) moderate poverty, and life in poverty just looks very different from the kinds of backgrounds that the rest of your piece implicitly addresses. So, you could focus instead on the wealth of free software tools available to the people who are in some range of circumstances to take advantage of them, assuming that access to a device with a keyboard isn't the primary challenge.
Thank you heyitsguay, I'll definitely try to edit the article to factor that in. I'm sorry having not been more specific before. But how can I still target those that are fortunate to have libraries they can take advantage but just don't realize it? Not everyone is as fortunate, but I'm a poor immigrant from Colombia and spent the majority of my childhood in public libraries while my parents worked and that's how I started my background so it can be done, but like you said, not every facing poverty will have the same circumstances.
Interesting, I bet that's an experience that most people on HN haven't had (I certainly haven't!). Since lots of the comments (including mine) have focused on how hard it is to take advantage of software engineering tools online without a CS/software background, and how hard it is to develop that background in precarious circumstances, it could be really interesting to write more about how you came to learn these things yourself.
Comments
To my mind, there are two angles to address. On the one hand, your argument really makes the most sense in the scope of "for people with a background in software", and due to the unique nature of software use and development, I don't think it would easily transfer to other domains. So, you can content yourself with making a point about people with a background in software.
Second, by bringing up free computer access at a library, it connects the point you're trying to make with the really complicated nuances around poverty. Even assuming we ignore smartphones and tablets (because how can you get any work done on one?), the demographic that only has access to a device with a keyboard at a public library is going to be almost entirely facing (at least) moderate poverty, and life in poverty just looks very different from the kinds of backgrounds that the rest of your piece implicitly addresses. So, you could focus instead on the wealth of free software tools available to the people who are in some range of circumstances to take advantage of them, assuming that access to a device with a keyboard isn't the primary challenge.
Thank you heyitsguay, I'll definitely try to edit the article to factor that in. I'm sorry having not been more specific before. But how can I still target those that are fortunate to have libraries they can take advantage but just don't realize it? Not everyone is as fortunate, but I'm a poor immigrant from Colombia and spent the majority of my childhood in public libraries while my parents worked and that's how I started my background so it can be done, but like you said, not every facing poverty will have the same circumstances.
Interesting, I bet that's an experience that most people on HN haven't had (I certainly haven't!). Since lots of the comments (including mine) have focused on how hard it is to take advantage of software engineering tools online without a CS/software background, and how hard it is to develop that background in precarious circumstances, it could be really interesting to write more about how you came to learn these things yourself.