First off, I just want to say Cryogenic Legumes, Hominids! (cool beans, man!). It's really neat to have so many youngsters learning VB.

Some advice. Try to balance your "explorations" with some formal study of VB (or other computer science topics, like data structures and algorithms). Doesn't necessarily have to be in a classroom. You are all obviously smart enough to learn on your own. Some of the certification study guide books are an excellent way to broaden the scope of your knowledge and make you a more comprehensive programmer.

What I'm trying to say is don't make the mistake of falling for the Hacker's romantic notion that being "smart" and "clever" is enough. Hackers are a dime a dozen, and the vast majority do not make a living at programming.

With some persistence and discipline, you guys and gals have the potential to be master programmers by your early twenties. That can net you about 70K a year (US dollars). By your mid to late twenties, you can be well off and knowledgable enough to do whatever you please, like start your own consulting firm, game company, etc.

Also, don't be afraid to look for a job, no matter what your age. If you're not yet qualified, you will be told so, and then you'll know what areas need work. And you will have made some industry contacts, contacts that will be banging down your door as soon as you are qualified.

Advice offered by a 35 year old "smart" and "clever" hacker who went down the wrong path to programming "glory".