Well as the title says, how do you feel about it? I for one dont have a problem as its keeping them off the streets and out of the way, it also gives them something to do other than vandalise most places. Some may argue that they are "stealing our money" i really dont see how you've come to that conclusion.

The common argument is regarding the level of support and experience of the owner. However, that's often a problem regardless of age.

I am a teenager and have my own company. Every single client of mine is happy with the service I provide. I know this because I check up on them reguarly and they let me know how Im doing. If the clients are happy, then I dont think there is a problem.

There is a similar thread ExileHosting about this if you would like to read it.
http://hostingdiscussion.com/showthr...highlight=teen

Exile,
I fail to see your logic. Out of the millions of teenagers out there, you're saying that the few thousand that "run" an online business stay off the streets and out of the way? Out of the way of what? Shopping? I just got back from Wal-Mart a bit ago with groceries for supper, and saw a good hundred teens or so. Perhaps - they were off support hours.

I fail to see the connection between less vandalism and more online businesses - do you have facts to back this up?

I don't think that "they're 'stealing our money'" and I don't recall hearing anyone saying that...

I feel you're wrong, entirely. Teenagers are not making companies, because 99% of them fail to have, at the least, an Employer Identification Number, or legal consultation. Half the time they up and leave without warning to their customers, and even more of them don't report the income generated from their "business".

Now, I know there are always exceptions - and that's why I guestimated with the 99%, half, etc...

John,

when he says "it keeps them off the street," I think he is meaning that it gives teenagers something to do, rather that doing things like vandalism.

I'm sorry for them. Teenage years should be fun, the "easy" fun. No worries besides school. At least I for one am happy to have lived my life that way. Each thing at its time...

Dubs,
I know that much, but looking at porn and masturbating also keeps them off the street, and quite honestly I'd say that porn more likely has a higher rate of keeping teenagers at home and off the streets more than running a web host.

A business requires a lot of professional and in depth knowledge to run. Sure you can go get a CPanel license and do administration from there (but that can only go so far as tech Support). I mean yes teens can surely be honest and run a good company but then again they also have to plan for college and such and then there is that sudden change in life that may in the end leave them astray from their hosting business (or worse yet their college education!). The teenage years are very "unstable" and with unstability I don't think that a teenager can honestly run a 100% successful and legal business. Now I'm not saying that is for 100% of the teenage population because I have been prooved wrong. However I see some ridiculous things like PolourNet paying $25/mo for Technical Support (.50/hour pay) or even worse hosts asking for volunteers for support. If you start up a hosting company be prepared to have little sleep and more focus on your company. People who are in school and cannot take the punishment should not be in the business in the first place.

Haha good way of putting it John. I think I am starting to agree with you now.

I suppose it would depend on the type of company. I'm all for development at a younger age, although I believe that whatever they choose to start, they should start because they know what they are doing.

It's not teenagers starting new companies that is the problem, it's teenagers that start a business because it seems like the 'cool' thing to do, then they wonder why it fails in 2-3 months time and they are in debt.

The perennial argument of teen hosts. Been discussed ad nauseum. But seemingly, still an ongoing discussion.

IMHO, teens, for the most part, should be teens. Stay out of business. There's plenty of time to get into the business world later in life What's the hurry?? I'm not really sure what the rush is, but I guess everyone is in a hurry to grow up.

Sure, there are a handful of teens who have proven themselves as the exception. And kudos to them. But if we are to have a general discussion about it, then we can unequivocally say that teens have no business running a business. For the most part, they don't have the knowledge, maturity, sense of responsibility or dedication to do what it takes to make a real business survive.

Vito

There are a lot of negatives I see identified from it - however I see a lot of the same from people that are supposed to be more mature. Big concerns being how long the host is going to be around, how serious customer service is taken and how knowlegable the people behind the service are.

These problems are probably more likely in younger people - but I won't hold that as an absolute. If someone younger wants to give it a go, I'm not going to stop them. The industry itself is still very young.

There are many young people that are very capable of running a business. However, the majority are normally not ready for such a thing and their business reflects their age. Of course, there are always exceptions. Being an entrepreneur is a good thing, but there are issues like consistency, education and business responsibility they these young people may have to put up with on a daily basis. If they do not cope up with it then eventually it's the customer who is going to suffer.

There is always controversey about "kiddie hosts."

The only problem I see with them is that they can't legally have a business...
Besides that, some have the knowledge or capability to run the host so I don't see whats wrong with them.