Firstly, if you disagree, that's fine. But saying my arguments are "entitled whining" isn't disagreement, it's name calling. DH0, to use Paul Graham's phrase.
Secondly, some of my arguments might be wrong, but I provide numbers and evidence to back them up.
"Likewise, programmers who define their goals economically (which broadly includes creating value for users) have nearly unparalleled earning potential."
Evidence? If you're talking about startups, I already covered that. Read the post.
"and incidentally, American programmers are paid better than in almost any other country."
This is sophistry. American Xs are paid better than non-American Xs because America has a high GDP per capita, pretty much regardless of X.
"First, computer programmers are certainly among the most respected trades."
Citation? And, adjusted for IQ, skill, hours worked, degrees earned, and so on?
"If it's not, enjoy the fact that you're in a trade where even untrained, mediocre practitioners reach the top 10% of American incomes."
Citation? Do you even know what the top 10% is? Here's a hint: The average salary of a computer programmer in the US is $75,000 (cite: http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/...). Most of those have college degrees in computer science or other technical fields, they certainly aren't "untrained". And 90th percentile income is higher than that even including people who don't have jobs (cite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_income_in_the_United_S...).
Secondly, some of my arguments might be wrong, but I provide numbers and evidence to back them up.
"Likewise, programmers who define their goals economically (which broadly includes creating value for users) have nearly unparalleled earning potential."
Evidence? If you're talking about startups, I already covered that. Read the post.
"and incidentally, American programmers are paid better than in almost any other country."
This is sophistry. American Xs are paid better than non-American Xs because America has a high GDP per capita, pretty much regardless of X.
"First, computer programmers are certainly among the most respected trades."
Citation? And, adjusted for IQ, skill, hours worked, degrees earned, and so on?
"If it's not, enjoy the fact that you're in a trade where even untrained, mediocre practitioners reach the top 10% of American incomes."
Citation? Do you even know what the top 10% is? Here's a hint: The average salary of a computer programmer in the US is $75,000 (cite: http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/...). Most of those have college degrees in computer science or other technical fields, they certainly aren't "untrained". And 90th percentile income is higher than that even including people who don't have jobs (cite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_income_in_the_United_S...).