When I've spoken with people who say they 'want to code, but don't know how to start,' dollars to doughnuts it's the same problem as wanting to learn hacking, artistry, or science. (I think the original comic was drawing.)

There isn't a solid reason for why they want to learn X, the wanters just think it would be cool to *be an X-er", and want anyone to hand it to them.

The people who want Y, and need to learn X to accomplish it will take the first step. Though many won't follow through if goal Y is too high. I've pointed people to the resources to learn X countless times. It's only the people who want Y, and are willing to learn X to achieve it, that succeed. Hacker, Coder, Engineer, Artist-er, and on and on. You can lead a horse to water, but not teach it how to drink.