Yes it is quite the dilemma. I know one or two people who are self taught and great coders. However, the majority of people I have worked with that are primarily self taught aren't good.

I guess the key to competing against diplomas is making separating from the herd - perhaps with pet projects, a blog showing your expertise, etc.

Or alternatively, going the startup route!

The key to competing with anybody is to show recent experience. I don't care what kinds of certificates you have -- what have you done lately?

It doesn't matter what you did last year. Programming (and startups) are all about what you can do this year.

This seems a little narrow minded. Many highly talented programmers find a lucrative area and stick with it for a while, but they can pick up on the "new big thing" almost instantly.

IMO it all comes back to talent and drive which are almost impossible to judge in an interview but they tend to swamp all other factors over time.

> IMO it all comes back to talent and drive which are almost impossible to judge in an interview but they tend to swamp all other factors over time.

I would narrow that down even further, to drive.

Plus I don't believe in talent; but one's level of skill will increase if she has the drive to improve.