Though I too wanted a place where I could learn and share about my industry with other women, I did not care who it was managed by. Ultimately, the women weren’t doing a good job of managing it anyway! We never had any really compelling speakers. And, not to sound snotty, but the group was mostly made up of (barring a very select few) women with home businesses related to entry-level desktop publishing. Hey, I’m all for making your own niche/career. But, to grow you need to start attracting talent and diversity. I had hoped that whomever we had as a new leader would put us back on track - man or woman.

I’ve long felt that women’s groups that get angry over men joining or leading them is just as sexist ast them complaining about not being allowed into the men’s groups. I’ve never understood the hipocrasy.

I’m not for “women = men” either. I think that argument is silly. We’re not equal. Our brains aren’t equal. And by this I don’t mean that one is superior to the other. It’s too bad that some cultures still believe that men are superior, and give them more rights than they do to women.

I’m thankful that I was born at a time, and in a place, where I don’t feel any paralyzing barriers to do anything I want to do based on my gender, or race, or ethnicity (I still can’t go to Europe without having to cry fat tears in front of a mean European consulate official, but that’s a different discussion).

I checked the site you mention, and found “The Dallas, TX chapter is currently undergoing a leader transition”. Are you saying this has been up since 2003?

Now, if I got your point wrong, I still want to share something else. I don’t really believe in a feminist society; I believe in humanist - that people should be treated like people, as equal as is possible in a given situation (sorry, but men and women do have some baseline genetic differences that do limit them in their opposite gender’s predominant roles).

The computer industry, including the Internet, has long been dominated by men I believe because of the need for people who studied science and math. I’m not saying women are not capable of holding such positions. However, historically women have been driven to pursue careers that hold more of a nuturing nature, e.g., teaching, nursing - or support roles such as secretarial. Yes, that sucks, but we’re still climbing out of that outdated and non-humanist ravine.

As the Internet has evolved, along with it has come a need for better design. Women have long been considered artistic though I’d say it’s a split down the middle (men/women) of whom I’ve worked with so far in the design world. However, since the two worlds of science (computers) and design have merged I think women are “under represented” in terms of “top names” because historically the realm of computers has been dominated by men. We’re just not as out there.

I’m not saying there is NO sexism out there - I just don’t think it’s as black and white as some are making it out to be. If women want a place in these conferences - that is to SPEAK - then they should make a good strong go at it. Contact your favorite conference and say, “hey, I’m here - and I’d love to talk about my pet topic,”. And, if you are good enough, if you really can sell yourself as a credible, knowledgeable, and passionate presenter, then you should find a place. However, if after meeting those criteria a conference or two doesn’t accept you, maybe it is because you’re a woman, maybe it’s not. If it is - do you really want to present to those people anyway?

FYI… years ago I was an active member of a group called Webgrrls. I attended the Dallas group where we’d have quite a few regulars, some good talent, but mostly a crop of women who really had little talent for the big-times. The presentations were never that impressive. Leadership was weak. Finally, Webgrrls got some form of national organizational structure. Our location was to be overseen by a MAN of all things. How dare they introduce a man to lead a women’s group! (Sarcasm) You know what happened? Check it out: http://www.webgrrls.com/wfs.jhtml?/dallas_tx/

That page has been up since 2003.

Sorry for the diatribe. Ultimately, I too, like you Maria am interested in TOPICS with people who can speak passionately about them while raising my interest. I don’t care if it’s a man or a woman. And, as you pointed out with one phrase, I don’t care if they’re young or old either. Just give me the content I come for.

-J