"The Indie" - Casual questions surrounding the indie side of the video game industry

As a casual viewer of the video game industry I often wonder where does the world of indie games fit. How many regular folks have decided to take the indie road. Is it easy? Is it hard? What are the rewards for taking such a path?

From blocky 2-D side scrollers to 3-D space shooters the indie presence is out there (that we can be certain of). However, where did the term "indie" come from? I suppose it would obviously imply an independent programmer at some point...or independent group. What made the indie decide, "Hey you know what, I have some programming skill...let me make a game!". How much programming skill is needed to make an indie game? 

All of these questions are those I have pondered about the indie scene. I'm sure you've wondered at least one of them in your day-to-day view of the industry.

Below is a video on the matter, check it out! Also, a video of the top 10 indie video games ever!

I found that a great place that indie developers go to as well is kickstarter.com. I myself have written a game and have considered kickstarter to share my idea. Check it out!