@Mae @zzt hey remember when programming used to be a fun, educational, and mostly free hobby? where you didn't have to have deep pockets and pay rent to do it? where you could do it anywhere in the world, even if you, say, don't have a bank account or a credit card?
(yes i know that of course you still needed some sort of computer, but still..)
@pierogiburo @Mae @zzt this is why I hate the argument that it is “democratizing” programming and removing barriers — only for those with deep enough pockets!
@cjgibilisco @pierogiburo @Mae @zzt which ist the exact opposite of democratizaion
@cjgibilisco @pierogiburo @Mae @zzt when the current democratisation is "you can try many languages for free, even their docs are free, you simply have to take time to practice & learn, like any skill"
@pierogiburo @Mae @zzt However that sort of computer was a one time purchase and probably could be done on a library card or uni computer lab if you pushed the idea far. Not an arbitrary monthly subscription that is unsustainable.
@dimenzio @pierogiburo @Mae @zzt I mean, my first computer was an old piece of junk I got from a garage sale for like $20. It worked well enough to start tinkering on while I saved up for a real PC.
@dimenzio @pierogiburo @Mae @zzt I'm sure if you ask around a bit, you could find someone willing to give you an old laptop for free.
@pierogiburo @Mae @zzt wind the clock a bit further back. AIUI programming being free was hard-won