I've been programming for about 17 years as a software engineer (full on programming almost every day) and last 10 years part time (as I fill a lot of other roles now). So, about 27 years total. I am guessing at least 20,000 hours at the computer.
How much of that time was spent actually programming? Would say doing other (related) things such as reading HN have had a large impact on your programming ability?
That is actual programming and engineering.
HN has had little impact on my approaches to software development. HN has helped greatly in my understanding of the startup process which is why I frequent this place.