Here is the thing: the people who matter are Angels and VCs who invest in you, your peer group of developers who will see your work, and your fellow entrepreneurs.

The idiot on the train doesn’t matter, the people whose comments reflect their own narrow life experience don’t matter, yet there is a part of our self-esteem that craves approval from “the general public”. Unless you are a politician, fuck the general public. They don’t get to vote on your success.

Every pathbreaker like you breaks the mold, by definition, and your reputation will redefine the mold in your generation. It is a more lonely path than conforming to people’s mindmap of who you ought to be, but it is infinitely more rewarding. Later in life, when the general public becomes educated about who the real role models are, you will suddenly find yourself on a pedestal — trust me on this one.

By all means read the comments, and laugh at the brainless bi-ped digestive tracts!