[liotier]

> Is it fair to say putting your heart into something makes you an amateur at something ?

Yes, that is the etymology of the word 'amateur' : 1784, "one who has a taste for (something)," from French amateur "lover of," from Latin amatorem (nominative amator) "lover," agent noun from amatus, past participle of amare "to love" - http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=amateur

Later this word has been used derogatorily, but it is not its original meaning. When people use 'amateur' derogatorily, I believe that 'dilettante' is the more accurate word.

[MollyR]

Thanks, you're one of the reasons I like hackernews. I learn something new every day!