[angersock]

So, we've got the "Think of the children!" argument:

  I realized I had to do something or she would never have
  the chance to learn and love programming because the ass
  clowns behind me would make it impossible for her to do 
  so.

I'll entertain that argument, though I think it is a wee-bit overbearing on her part to assume what will and what won't scare off this youngster; I don't believe, for example, that simple clumsy bawd would actually be enough to ruin software development for all people forever--and honestly, how many of us would want to work with someone who can't take the occasional obscene joke?

This is where I have a problem with the author's actions:

  I decided to do things differently this time and didn’t
  say anything to them directly. 

...especially when, in the same article, we have:

  I know I don’t have to be a hero in every situation.

Honestly? This is what passes for heroism these days? Are you kidding me?

Had the author talked to them, expressed discontent, explained why she felt their behavior was inappropriate, and all that, I'm sure everyone would've come out ahead. Instead, these poor folks are getting smeared for cracking wise to each other during a conference.

No amount of hand-wringing will change the fact that the author, when given the opportunity to directly improve the situation and help set a good example, chose to make a mess of things for what is probably at best just ill-timed immaturity.

If you want to help the cause of women in CS, you have to make sure that you are setting an example where your actions cannot be interpreted as fearful, backstabbing, or passive-aggressive. You want to be a positive role-model, right?

EDIT: Here, a call to action. Folks, don't put up with people who are being jerks--but at least try to explain to them why they are being jerks, and try to set a good example. A lot of people don't try to screw up things--they just need a nudge to keep on the right path from time to time.

[MetaCosm]

Or just look at the domain name, the calculation, the self-aggrandizement and realize a perfectly played marketing ploy to drive traffic to her site and get her some future speaking engagements.

I give her props for deft manipulation of the situation for maximum effect, it was rather brilliant... and from her perspective the worst thing is an unfunny guy got fired, not a bad days work.

[curtisspope]

lol

[workbench]

Worked out great for Anita Sarkeesian.

Judging Adria Richards website, her mostly inactive Github profile, her Youtube channel filled with spammy "how to" videos. She seems more like someone engaged with trying to make money on the talk circuit and Youtube game rather than as a developer.

But yeah well done her getting the guy with 3 kids fired for the PG-level conversation she overheard.

[canweriotnow]

Agreed.

When was the last time attempting to publicly humiliate someone convinced them to turn from their unenlightened ways?

Any desire to make the developer community more diverse and open is admirable. But responding to inappropriate jokes in this manner isn't just overreaching.

It's repaying asshattery with asshattery.

I'm not defending the behavior of the guys in question here. And I'd like to go all white knight and support OP 100%, but I can't seem to shake this damned sense of perspective.

What would she have done if she had witnessed deliberate sexual harassment? Gone the extra mile and used Instagram? Or gone over the organizers heads and demand Guido ban those three guys from even using Python anymore?

People make bad, unfunny jokes. Call them out if they're offensive. But this is just ridiculous.