"If you're a musician or actor, you know that if you're successful, some level of fame goes along with that. You're prepared. But how often does that happen to a programmer?"

In this quote, Shawn Fanning is highlighting the plain contrast in between the level of popularity that includes success in the fields of music or acting, compared to that of programming. As an artist or actor, it is anticipated that popularity will accompany success, and people in these industries are mentally prepared for it. Nevertheless, Fanning questions how often this very same level of fame takes place for programmers. This might be viewed as a commentary on the absence of recognition and spotlight given to programmers, regardless of their essential role in forming our modern-day world. Fanning's words shed light on the typically ignored and underappreciated field of shows.