Reverse! Reverse!

When you were young your parents told you study hard, become good at what you do and then you will be known for your work and then people will respect you for that.

But now that does not apply. There is no reason that says that you have to be old by the time you get that knowledge. The same goes on the Internet. With the Internet making knowledge available at your fingertips - it is the passion that you have and expertise that you acquire that gives you respect.

You gain the respect first on the Internet because you make your self known first.
Only then you get power - the money comes last.

I can only say that it is a good thing - at least I don't have to wait until I am retired to get any respect or expertise.