[RuleOfBirds]

Huh. Is it just me? I couldn't make it through more than a screen of this post because of the author's ego that seemed to be spilling out the sides of their mouth.

I didn't "read to the end" like admonished, so not sure if it was meant to be humorous.

[monksy]

I felt like it was a bit preachy and "only listen to me" kind of a tone. I agree with you. If he had articulated his point better I would have liked it. I really hate the ego of the author to suggest that you shouldn't speak on something and should "mentor someone 'underrepsented'." Sigh. If you put the work into the talk, know it really well, and you're enthusastic, that's what's important. Be there to help others and help them prep. Give talks on how to give a talk.

[willyg123]

I thought the author was sincere after the first read. I read it after reading your comment and respectfully disagree about the author's ego. I have never been a conference speaker so perhaps I am not the best judge.

[letstrynvm]

I skipped the rest after his trying to equate concluding you're not going to get accepted to a particular conference with 'ego'.

Having self-respect and deciding not to keep uselessly abasing yourself to a clique that's never going to anoint you is perfectly reasonable. As the previous poster said the article author seems over-blessed with ego thinking he knows enough to hand out blanket advice putting the fault on others.