I don't think it sounded like you were showing off at all. It was a cool story. I think a lot of people are just inferring that you were implying that your story was unique (that's a lot of assuming going on there) and it's not, so they were balking at it because they've had similar experiences or what have you. Sure, it may be BTDT to a lot of folks (brought back fond memories for me), but when you're 14 and doing it and discovering for the first time it, it's awesome and that is inspiring. I think we sometimes forget how exciting learning and just putting ourselves out there can be.

I'm not impressed as much as jealous. Sure, maybe your program was very crude by most standards, but the amount of stuff you did figure out on your own was great! It sounds like you had a lot of fun in the process.

Figuring things out mostly independently, without a teacher telling you what to do next, is among life's most sublime and transient joys. I sometimes regret the knowledge I've obtained the "easy" way, because I know I'll never have the experience of discovering it myself. But alas, ars longa, vita brevis.

Random people on the internet can be a tough bunch to please...

I, for one, was motivated... thanks!