[plamzi]

The lesson here is, don't treat advice like a prescription. I learned to code while working on a MUD, others have, too. Maybe whoever told you that meant that you shouldn't try to run your own MUD while learning basics. That's probably a good idea. The smaller you start, the less steep the mountain will look.

Most people apprentice themselves in their home MUD, if there's someone willing to let them learn on the job, and maybe even teach them a few things. It's always a good idea to pick a game you're really excited about, since chances are you're not going to get paid for your work.

Good luck, and remember not to take my advice as a prescription.