Kiddie Hosts - Page 2

talkwebhosts.co · Post #16 (**permalink**) 04-09-2005, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spartan

I have been working in computers and host based systems for the last 12 years. I was running my own Galacticomm BBS out of my parents house when I was 14-15. I had 7 phone lines comming in the house a comm server, I even had a phone number relay on the south side of town to make it local for people who lived south of there.

I am 26 now, and one thing I can tell you the difference in is the "experience" in dealing with customers. I am much more aware of the market and what customers demand and expect from companies such as ours. Especially after had been a consultant for a large Software company, and working in corporate America the last 7 years.

I am not saying a 16 year old is not capable of handling customer issues, however, the "experience and knowledge" is lacking at that age. It's not to say they aren't smart or technical enough, just that the Customer can pick up on it. But lets be honest, at the same time, there are plenty of adults my age and older who don't have the sense of a 10 year old either, so it can go either way

So I think what I am trying to say, is more power to the younger guys ( and gals) trying to pursue a life in business. I commend them. Just don't lose track of your commitments.

I also agree with your statements. Infact I have helped people with computers at a very young age, even charged a few people for a few things but I never considered myself running a business because I knew my knowledge of customer support was lacking. Now that I am 24 I have seen a number of things and know how to deal with some of the toughest customers, thanks to the retail environments of CompUSA and Best Buy. If you ever want a challenging environment to work in, choose retail and preferably a store where they do not have enough staff to handles the loads of customers coming in! COUGH BESTBUY COUGH! My experiences in retail have made me a more understanding person when it comes to dealing with my clients. This took time, so do not rush into the market hoping to be the next Bill Gates, make sure you plan your moves and provide enough support so your customers can bring you business.

Festive Hosting · Post #17 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReason

I have to disagree. It is called wait a while into you jump into the ocean and learn how to swim with the sharks. The truth is you would think twice about getting help from a kid in a store, the comfort level will never be there. Yes a kid may know what he is doing but the lack of experience can be a problem, this is not discrimination this is called doing business with people you feel have the mental capacity to make your projects successful.

Although I agree that you have to feel comfortable with those whom you conduct business with, age alone shouldn't be the determining factor when deciding on a web host. Sometimes those that you assume are the least qualified to perform a particular type of work turn out to be the best suited. And just because someone is experienced, that does not necessarily make them reliable.

Regarding the kid in a store comment... Although I am often confused for someone under the age of 18 (as I have a very youthful appearance), I am quickly approaching 30. Due to my youthful appearance, I have had to work harder at gaining the trust of those around me than my peers have. But as far as people looking at me for help... well... when you call 911, I come and take care of business, often better than officers who have been in law enforcement twice as long as I have.

In short, don't allow mental blocks to affect your rational decisions.

wise · Post #18 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Festive Hosting

Regarding the kid in a store comment... Although I am often confused for someone under the age of 18 (as I have a very youthful appearance), I am quickly approaching 30. Due to my youthful appearance, I have had to work harder at gaining the trust of those around me than my peers have. But as far as people looking at me for help... well... when you call 911, I come and take care of business, often better than officers who have been in law enforcement twice as long as I have.

In short, don't allow mental blocks to affect your rational decisions.

LOL - I have exactly the same problem - 29 years old and look about 18

I have found that my youthfull appearance has stopped me getting jobs before - "the other candidate had more experience" even though I find out after they were not! People do judge too quickly on looks and on immaterial facts.

However not all young people get the chance to gain work experience in a field they are interested in and many kiddie hosts are learning the hard way. Unfortunately this also means many website owners are learning a lesson too.

I always get requests from 16 year olds looking to gain technical experience with us, but unfortunately most of the time we cannot. Instead I have to tell them to grab a reseller account and start learning by doing

frattay22 · Post #19 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 08:52 AM

To many legal aspects when dealing with peons

CLCook · Post #20 (**permalink**) 06-18-2005, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frattay22

To many legal aspects when dealing with peons

Very true. Many minors will run into difficulties when complying with the laws (taxes, registrations, etc.)

frattay22 · Post #21 (**permalink**) 06-18-2005, 05:50 PM

As you already know the Majority is what 18 years old? Anyone under that age the contracts are void which leads to many issues. As to come to think of it 21 or 18 is the Majority... CLCook this is where you come in play!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLCook

Very true. Many minors will run into difficulties when complying with the laws (taxes, registrations, etc.)

CLCook · Post #22 (**permalink**) 06-18-2005, 06:55 PM

For civil purposes, "of legal age" is 18. (Except alcohol usage).

Contracts signed my minors are voidable. This means that once they reach 18 they have the option of voiding their contract. If they don't after a "resonable time", then they "affirm" the contract. That's why you should never do business with minors! :-) Most states have special clauses for this situation. Texas protects businesses as well as minors.

kylespringer · Post #23 (**permalink**) 06-18-2005, 07:26 PM

I have to post my two cents.....

I am 20 years old. I run a great hosting company. My clients are very happy and I sacrifice things that 20 year olders do to run my business. I make sure my t's are crossed if I am going to be gone to a concert or something. In the 2 years since I have started, we have moved into an office have worked with some large companies and present a business image. When I tell my clients im 20 they are astonished how well I deal with them for a 20 year old. Yes, 14 is a little young but if they can do it and pull it off... More power to them, although highly unlikely. I know a few huge hosts that have thousands of clients whose owners are a year older then me and they all started before they were 18 too. How about this... If a 14 year old or whatever ages hosts sucks, they get bad reviews just like yours would if yours sucked and if there good at what they do, then they'll get good ratings. I bet there are 16 year olds out there that can run a business better then a 30 year old. How about a directory that list crappy hosts all together? Thats a good idea.

CLCook · Post #24 (**permalink**) 06-18-2005, 10:55 PM

Kyle,

You're right. 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. And, of course, there are many older people who don't have what it takes to run a business, either.

You have a nice site, BTW.

kylespringer · Post #25 (**permalink**) 06-18-2005, 11:04 PM

Thank You.

frattay22 · Post #26 (**permalink**) 06-19-2005, 01:01 AM

Yes we went over this last week, but to much is running through my head

demonater10 · Post #27 (**permalink**) 07-04-2005, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReason

After running into hosting companies that are run by little kids I feel like there should be a central website where everyone can list hosting companies that are run by 14 year olds and younger. What does everyone feel about this? In my opinion if you base your company solely on the money that you are able to save then you are in big trouble, but many people ask what happens when there wonderful kiddie host decides to go down for the summer because they want to go outside and play!

And if you base a hosting company solely on the age of the owner you wont get very far in life.

wise · Post #28 (**permalink**) 07-04-2005, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demonater10

And if you base a hosting company solely on the age of the owner you wont get very far in life.

I disagree - would I spend $400 yearly with someone who is 14 years old and has a reseller account if I knew they were only 14with dads credit card? no-one would, I would like to see anyone argue the case. There has to be an age base - to be honest I think this is about 18, although i have seen younger hosts.

It really comes down to life experience - I wouldnt trust an 18 year old to invest my life savings. It's not to say that some young people cant do it - but unless they have "lived and learned" I'll hide my money.

Same goes for older - I wouldnt invest my life savings on a "new business venture" if they were older than xxxx age (hiding my personal views!).

Zeeblo · Post #29 (**permalink**) 07-23-2005, 12:04 AM

Here is a post which i posted at NamePros, I believe it can contribute towards this discussion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeeblo

IMHO, you just can't accept the fact that NOT all teens run a business the way you think they do. Anyone of any age can be mature and stick to their promises if they know and want to, they can do it! Your completely underestimating teenagers just because of the fact that you had a bad experience with a teen running a webhost, that's just not the case here, just because you had a bad experience with one teen, it doesn't mean you can generalize and think that ALL teens are of this nature.

We are ALL different people and unique in our own ways. The way you see things is that ALL teens are the same and just immature when in fact, your the one that needs to stop generalizing and actually try to think outside the square for once.

Like Barefoottech mentioned, Apple was started by two young boys in a garage, what's wrong with starting a webhost in your bedroom?

The general point i'm trying to get across is the fact that not everyone is what you think they are unless you actually try to get to know them. You think that because we are teens, we are not capable to understand and comprehend certain aspects in that only adults can? Your absolutely wrong man

Not ALL of our brains are as small and undeveloped as you may think.

Besides, if teens didn't start early in the business, you think big and successful companies like Apple, etc. would exist right now?

Man, just try to understand me here, anyone of any age can make a business successful if they have the will and if they believe in themselves.

If people didn't take AGE as seriously as they do at the moment, I think that ALOT of adults and older people in general would have a GREAT time doing business with teenagers.

kylespringer · Post #30 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005, 03:58 AM

Well let me put it this way... If there are any really good young host that work out of there room, you probably wont ever know because they are smart enough to make it look like they are operating a great hosting company. Customers care about one thing... SATISFACTION. Are they getting there moneys worth, are they kept happy. If your doing that, I don't think they will question you very much or even care where it's being ran from. I know some of the "bigger" host companies owners who started out young and look at them now. I'm not going to say who because I wouldnt want someone to judge them on there age, I want them to judge them on there service.