Don't be too surprised or confused. There are a lot of very bright people here, but remember that being bright in one area doesn't necessarily mean they'd be bright in other areas, or nice, or humble. I guess someone who spent n years working at their craft and feels that he earned the title "programmer" might get offended when some young punk says he learned how to program in 12 days. I don't feel that way but I can understand why someone else might. I think if you had said something like "How I learned enough about programming to get a job doing it in 12 weeks", they might have been more encouraging (though it would have sucked as a title!). I think it was the title more than anything else that put them off.
And don't be too disappointed. I think the majority of the people here aren't nasty. They might have said some not so nice things in a moment of pique for the above reason, but the nice thing about HN is that most of us do try to be objective and helpful. Don't be surprised if in another thread, the very same people who dissed you here praise you, help you or openly agree with you. I usually don't even notice usernames when replying or voting on posts.
Lastly, congratulations on taking a very big step on the same path most of us here are on. The path is long and difficult at times, but infinitely rewarding. Welcome to the club.
And don't be too disappointed. I think the majority of the people here aren't nasty. They might have said some not so nice things in a moment of pique for the above reason, but the nice thing about HN is that most of us do try to be objective and helpful. Don't be surprised if in another thread, the very same people who dissed you here praise you, help you or openly agree with you. I usually don't even notice usernames when replying or voting on posts.
Lastly, congratulations on taking a very big step on the same path most of us here are on. The path is long and difficult at times, but infinitely rewarding. Welcome to the club.