[gilrain]

I'd prefer a slightly different slogan. I like "We're not endorsing the obvious," but I feel like "We're really not complaining" is a bit insulting to those who really are highlighting the problems with sexism in technology fields. That's valuable work too, and I don't think it's a positive step to position yourself as, "We're not complainers, like those other women, gosh, am I right?"

I love the idea, and I'll be keeping an eye on the site. I just wish the slogan was more like, "We're not endorsing the obvious. We're celebrating the hidden." Or something like that. You can resolve not to focus on (often well deserved and important) "complaining", and I think that's a valuable focus for someone to take, but please don't cast aspersions by implication on those that do speak up about active issues.

[cassiemc]

Fair point and we agree – it was more that we wanted to focus on the positive, not the negative. It's an iterative project though (including the copy) and this is our first go so we may take another look at it. Thanks for your thoughts!

[SkyMarshal]

It occurs to me it might be nice to not just recognize women in tech, but thank them for sticking with it, despite any sexism and discouragement they may have encountered along the way.

I've seen the case made both anecdotally and empirically that women, or maybe more generally, mixed gender teams, boards of directors, etc., have broader perspectives, make better decisions, take less bad risks, and are more generally enriching than all-male.

So, perhaps a simple 'thanks for sticking with it and bringing that' would be a nice addition.

[papsosouid]

I'd argue the opposite. I think "thanks for sticking with it" is patronizing. Contrary to popular belief, women are not feeble and weak and incapable of living in the real world. And they don't all feel victimized by some oppressive system of sexism.

[MartinCron]

And they don't all feel victimized by some oppressive system of sexism

I wonder, is there a non-patronizing way to be positive and supportive of the women who DO feel, if not victimized, at least frustrated by "some oppressive system of sexism"?

[ClHans]

Have you asked the women involved if they think it's patronizing?

Or is it just something you think?

[papsosouid]

The women involved in what? I'm not sure what you are trying to convey here, you think there is a singular mind shared by all women involved in something, and they all disagree that it is patronizing?

[gilrain]

Absolutely. I love and agree with the goal of focusing on the positives, celebrating the actual successes happening today. I think that small part of the slogan actually introduces a negative to the site, if anything.

I'm really glad to see this being done at all, however, and the site looks great! I hope you get a lot of traction!

[cassiemc]

Thanks! We think you're right and we're already looking at changing that bit.

[juridatenshi]

This project sounds like an awesome idea if executed properly. The fact that you're already taking constructive feedback into account in a positive way makes that proper execution sound pretty likely. :)

On the note of constructive feedback, the "hounding women in tech until they meet with you" bit could definitely be misread. I know it isn't meant that way, but it sounds a little bit like you're going to harass women who may not be interested until they agree to be involved.

[cassiemc]

Hah! Indeed it does sound funny in retrospect. We knew we'd be dealing with busy women, and that's all we meant to imply, so thank you for giving us the benefit of the doubt. But yes, we're going to go over all the copy with a fine-toothed comb and make sure we intend what we're saying.

[jmcqk6]

This seems similar to another site that's pretty great, though it's focus is a little different.

http://www.steminist.com/

[brianfryer]

Totally agree.

When I read "not complaining", it conjures images of complaining. Rather, a stronger focus on "commending" "applauding" would be apropos.

[cassiemc]

Definitely. Good word recommendations, thanks!

[brianfryer]

Thesaurus.com is one of best friends. I use it all the time to discover better ways to articulate my thoughts & feelings.