It's harder to compete on technical merit, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.
I'll quote Drucker again here: "Concentrate on what you're good at." At 33, you've probably got a decent amount of experience in the business world, plus some additional formal education. Work on finding and solving problems that aren't apparent to the young turks just out of college, because they don't have the work experience. I'm 26 and I've had 2 salaried jobs, both in the computer field. There are whole industries that I've never worked in - those are probably ripe for a web solution, because you don't have swarms of college kids picking over every opportunity.
Don't expect to compete in the web2.0/social networking sphere. The kids that are 2 years out of college still have friends in that demographic, they grew up with the technology, and so they know more about both the technology and the market. Look for markets that all the young technophiles know nothing about.
44 years old when I built digg. Is that competing in the web2.0/social networking sphere?
The stuff that happened after we were funded (I've left the company) probably had a lot to do with my age, and the type of conventional wisdom (i.e. bullshit) that is out there and espoused by some of these commenters.
Remember that on the internet, noone knows you're a dog (or an old dog).
As a 41-yr old hacker (and late-comer to the game; I didn't start until I was well into my 20s) I'd just like to thank you for sticking up for us "old-timers." It really bothers me that people think you're past it when you get past 35 or so. 'Scuse me if I'm not dead yet and have no intention of acting as though I am.
My project is at http://surftrackr.net/ It won't ever make me rich, but (a) that's not the point, and (b) it's my way of making a contribution. While there are programmers out there who can do a better or worse job than I have, I can guarantee the differentiating factor is not their age.
I too, started late in the game. With a brief introduction to Basic in school, and some programming classes in undergrad, I graduated with a Bachelors in Production Engineering, and it was after that I realized that computers (and programming) is where I felt just right. I worked on my first major (Java) project in grad school when I was 21. Haven't looked back since and over the years have learned several languages.
I will admit though, that a)starting late b)not having a formal education in computer sciences is a little frustrating at times. I spend my evenings trying to play catch up with those who had a head start (reading up on compilers, language design, even SICP). Don't get me wrong, I am still as fascinated with computers as I was 8 years ago (I turn 30 today, the 1st actually), but every time I read a brilliant comment on a language or a framework on YC News, I know I have a long way to go before I will have that level of competence and understanding.
To answer your question, I don't think its never too late to pursue your passion. In the long run, when you look back, you would rather see having spent time doing things you loved to do, rather than spending a majority of your life as a zombie, in pursuit of a paycheck than anything else.
From another late starter, I can only wish you the very best.
I think it makes sense to build something that you want to use personally (solves one of your problems), or at least solve a problem that you understand well. It's certainly possible to do neither but I think you're more likely to fail then.
It has nothing to do with age.
The advice about not trying to compete in the "web2.0/social" market I think is a good one regardless of age. It's far too crowded with "me too" startups and most business models rely only on advertising or hopes of getting bought before loosing too much money.
You are spot on. I've always found this frustrating - hackers beat their heads on walls looking for new consumer ideas, while deep in the industries there are relatively simple problems left and right. I think the frustration is on both sides - hackers would love to solve these hidden problems, and the business folks would love someone to make their lives easier.
PG said it best, "build something people want": it's the hardest thing for a start up to do. So the idea of all these hidden opportunities just kills me. If someone wants to start a website that publishes these type of ideas, you'll have me as a user.
I'll quote Drucker again here: "Concentrate on what you're good at." At 33, you've probably got a decent amount of experience in the business world, plus some additional formal education. Work on finding and solving problems that aren't apparent to the young turks just out of college, because they don't have the work experience. I'm 26 and I've had 2 salaried jobs, both in the computer field. There are whole industries that I've never worked in - those are probably ripe for a web solution, because you don't have swarms of college kids picking over every opportunity.
Don't expect to compete in the web2.0/social networking sphere. The kids that are 2 years out of college still have friends in that demographic, they grew up with the technology, and so they know more about both the technology and the market. Look for markets that all the young technophiles know nothing about.