January 24, 2012
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118
The women in scienceblogging session at Science Online this year was very different from last year. More people were venting, and what they were venting was scary: stalkers, rape jokes, physical threats. It has not been a good year to be blogging while female: Elevatorgate was one of the more frightening events I’ve ever observed, because it exposed a level of hatred, of vicious, violent sexism that before that point I would have said was only believed by the tiniest fraction of men. Elevatorgate ramped up the defensiveness and sharpened the fears of women who speak their mind in the skeptical and science blogospheres.
Even when the threats aren’t physical, the antagonism towards women has been nasty. I have been called a sexist, someone who plays victim, told I should be fired, and worse, personal things that I will not relay here. I have had my writing challenged by brash claims regarding my character or intent without any attempt to build a case with evidence.
And even though I can look at the evidence and my writing, at what I do and what I stand for, and know these claims are ridiculous, each one of these attacks shatters me.
Back at my old blog, these attacks would have had little effect on me. At my old blog my posse would have crowded them out, shrugged their way past them until the attackers were shouting uselessly at the periphery. My old blog was a warm, inviting space where I could take risks because people were willing to take them with me.
I could blame the loss of my posse on the commenting system or the more heavily-male readership here at Scientific American and throw up my hands. But I also know I have not been modeling the appropriate behavior to encourage you to get comfortable in my new place. I have left almost all attack comments up rather than delete them because I worried that getting rid of them would open me up to more attacks, or make it look as though I was silencing my opposition. And so I left them, and waited, hoping someone would come and back me up. Sometimes someone would.
Supporting a female blogger under attack in a comment thread is a very risky endeavor. If you are a male ally, you may be afraid of making things worse. If you are a woman, you may be afraid of drawing some of the attack on to you. The attack may also just feel like it’s not your business. It takes a very brave person who doesn’t mind sticking their nose in to put together a reasoned response and handle the blowback.
By letting the oppressive and rude behavior in my comment threads get out of control, I have put my posse in an impossible position. I have silenced potential commenters, and lost the most valuable part of my blogging.
* * *
Science Online was fun, just like last year. But I also felt raw, and exposed, and put on a pedestal. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me that so many of you admire my writing and perspective, that you told me you have started to write, or stood up to an adversary, or followed your dream in part due to me. But I do not write well on this pedestal. It wobbles with my every move and there are spikes lining the fall below.
Blogging is a selfish endeavor, a desire to be heard. Blogging is insisting you have something to say. Blogging is saying come here, come here and respond and tell me that at least some of what I am saying means something to you.
And so I am going to be selfish right now. I am asking you to register on this network. You can register as a pseudonym or Anon371 or under your name and only I see your email address. But I want you to register so that you are more likely to comment and participate in this community, because that’s the only way I can get back down.
* * *
In order for you to have the support you need to come back and rebuild our posse, I am enacting a new comment policy here at Context and Variation. The policy is as follows:
The science blogging community – and you don’t need to be a blogger to be in this community – is one that has been held together by the decency and strength of Bora Zivkovic. This community operates more like a meritocracy and democracy than many other areas of science because that is what Bora has modeled and what he has demanded of us. But this community grows larger, and one man cannot be expected to hold together the hundreds of thousands of us who engage with science and science writing every day. With scientific literacy more important to economic and political success than ever, yet fewer newspapers with science sections, readers are coming to us. And it’s on all of us to honor the model produced by Bora, Anton Zuiker, Karyn Traphagen and so many others by being responsible and supporting each other.
We all have different ways of supporting community, and different ideas of civility. I’ve only articulated what I expect on my blog. Clearer articulation and enforcement of these policies in our own spaces will create the spaces we need to maximize our impact and honor our communities.
About the Author: Dr. Kate Clancy is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Illinois. She studies the evolutionary medicine of women’s reproductive physiology, and blogs about her field, the evolution of human behavior and issues for women in science. Find her comment policy here. Follow on Twitter @KateClancy.
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Got your back.
Link to thisDelurking and now registered!
Link to thisWell put Kate. I think your synopsis speaks volumes to what several female bloggers are currently experiencing, and I admire your candor. I’m looking forward to seeing some great conversations in your comments, and those of others. We’ve all got to make it very clear what we’re willing to engage when it comes to this very personal space.
Link to thisHave been registered here for quite awhile (it’s reasonably painless, y’all, so do it if you can!). I understand your discomfort with the pedestal but also note that what you have written here attests to your ownership of this fight and your willingness to engage in it–with backup. So…I will always, always be here for that.
Link to thisI’m in your corner, Kate.
Link to thisI’m also registered from a while back, so please count me in on your posse.
Link to thisYou always do, Ed, and for that I am endlessly grateful.
Chemlily, a pleasure to meet you!
Carin, thanks and I also look forward to more conversations in all our blogs on this network, most certainly including yours!
And Emily, thank you for always being here and being part of this work to eliminate sexism.
Link to thisRegistered! And thank you for this post … happy to join the posse!
Link to thisCosign.
Sometimes it feels like there’s value to leaving awful stuff up so that we bloggers are not the only ones seeing the awful stuff. However, when the awful stuff just doesn’t advance the conversation we’re trying to have, it’s a nuisance and worse.
Thanks, as always, for building our community as you advance our understanding of ladybusiness.
Link to thisdone. I like what you say about not having to be a blogger to be part of the science blogging community. I want to support scienceblogging while female however I can.
Link to thisDone. Could you please send out a Twitter alert when you need to call in the posse? I don’t usually read comments (and I feel like I live under a rock at the bottom on the sea) so I don’t necessarily know when shit goes ill.
Link to thisI had to register here to deal with my own set of trolls on my guest posts. As Bora said at the time, he knew he didn’t have to worry about my ability on that score. I’m not as involved in comment threads as I used to be, but I’m still happy to lend an elbow when I know one is needed. Just holler.
I do have to ask, though. Who on Earth thinks someone can do roller derby from a pedestal?
Link to thisI’m a brother to four sisters and an uncle many times over including grand nieces. I find it hard to stomach so many men who seem to be so violent towards women. It seems like they have a problem with any woman who speaks up or has an opinion. My hope is they see themselves when they read about “elevator guy” or other stories women write about and try to change their ways.
Link to thisHey, it’s me, Artologica. Can’t remember why I chose this name on SciAm, but anyway, I’m in!
Link to thisFor a long time I commented on sites in a gender-neutral way, and then realized that it probably wasn’t helping. It made it seem there were no (or few) women in the conversation.
So I’ve gone more public with my gender and a female icon even if my name isn’t attached. I know it’s hard to ask others to consider that, but I am glad to have done it.
Link to thisGreat post, Kate. I also mentioned this in my blog post, where I gave both you and Sci Curious’ session a big shout out (as well as the tenacity and courage you both have for dealing with horrible comments). You can read it here: http://davidmanlysblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/science-online-2012-post-mortem.html
And I’ve always got your back, and any time you need me, just give a shout. I’m proud to be a member of your posse.
I’ve been registered here ever since I started blogging for SciAm, and I’m happy to add my voice to yours.
Link to thisReporting for duty.
I’d pretty much given up on the SciAm comments section after wrangling with the folks who showed up for Jesse Bering’s original “adaptive homophobia” post; my approach to dealing with jerks is to duck out of the room. But leaving folks I like and respect alone with the jerks is kind of a jerk move itself, isn’t it? Sorry about that.
Link to thisHere!
Link to thisKate, it was a true privilege to witness you and Emily (+ others) discussing this very topic in that oh so hot hotel lobby. So glad that you took this step. And I will make a point of commenting more; to ask questions and to give support. M
Link to thisYeah, that’s doable.
Link to thisI agree with thankascientist; I’m not a blogger but I want to support science bloggers, whether they’re male, female or other. the #bswf session at #scio12 was mind-blowing.
Link to thisCoR represents!
Link to thisI’m in. Also, I like the idea of using Twitter to give folks a heads up when support is needed.
Link to thisHey Kate!
Link to thisHere I am . Just call.
registered and supporting. I think your comment policy is strong and clear.
Link to thisI was already registered, but in the past I’ve generally stayed out of comments. No longer!
(seconding the hollering/alerting/tweeting about volatile threads. I’m often unaware until way late)
Link to thisJeez Louise people. A million times thank you.
And I think we need to get one of the amazing SciArt folks to make us a bat signal so we can posse up on anyone’s posts who needs a hand dealing with oppressive behavior.
Link to thisHi Kate. Saddling up and joining the posse. As a veteran of the women’s movement in the 70s, it does my heart good to see younger women both gaining access to available opportunities like science blogging and shouldering the responsibilities that go with them. Keep up the great work.
Link to thisI’m in. I often feel nervous about commenting in troll heavy threads, because I hate drawing the ire my way, but that’s no reason to let other people take it. My commenting anxiety is no reason not to support the bloggers I admire; I’ll have your back.
Link to thisKate, the posse’s here in force.
I’m glad you blogged about the session, which was sometimes hard to follow on Twitter. It is no comfort to me to share that the same things happen to women when they speak in public (and that’s not a new thing; see http://eloquentwoman.blogspot.com/2011/07/faceless-bitch-slide-why-women-have.html).
Requiring registration and moderating comments are just sensible. But don’t take on yourself responsibility for others’ failure to comment–that is theirs alone. We can all do better.
Link to thisOooh, bats. I like. And one lurker, previously too lazy to register, comes out of the shadows. Even observing SciO12 from afar, on Twitter, has changed my perception. I’m not much of a barker, but can be induced to bite.
Link to thisAnother non-blogger who generally stays out of the comments here who is willing to sign up for duty. But I’d also like a twitter-call if possible.
Lori <- as in female White
Link to thisI love your blog and I’m so glad you encouraged readers to register. I’m now delurked! For me, that’s why I haven’t commented since you moved to Scientific American. I already have so many accounts with so many websites, you know? I’m sorry that you’ve felt hung out to dry & unsupported. From here on out – got your back! Please keep the great posts coming.
Link to thisProud to be considered among your crew, Kate.
Link to thisEeep! I’m late! Sci reporting for duty, and requesting a position as a blocker on your internet-derby team.
And I would like to state that Kate has been AMAZING in my comment threads, along with Stephanie, Jason T, and others. I proud to be part of this internet posse, and I’ve got your back!
Link to thisInspirational and informative, the post above is an excellent example of the importance of blogging with a very specific focus on fine tuning the accuracy of the communication. If accuracy is the priority, excluding all personal attacks, insults, etc. increases the quality of information covered regardless of the subject.
Link to thisI’m in too. Sounds like fun.
Now we just need someone to send over a troll.
Link to thisThank you for raising expectations! We should expect each other to treat each other well, in word and in deed. I’m here for you.
Link to thisI’m also a lurker, but no more. Thanks for calling me out and giving me the push I needed. I’m happy to help and ride with the posse.
Link to thisSigned up and signing in! Also in the process of that I actually read the terms and conditions and turns out that all of us agreed to “not upload to, distribute or otherwise publish through this site any content that (i) is libelous, defamatory, obscene, threatening, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, infringing on intellectual property rights, abusive, illegal or otherwise objectionable”
Link to thisDevelopmentalPsychologist – I really didn’t feel hung out to dry and hope that’s not the impression I gave. Rather, I don’t think I set up the appropriate community by putting you guys in a position where you would have to engage with trolls in order to comment on the blog. That is simply unfair to you all. So, I moderate every comment from here on out and that way you never have to deal with it on your end.
Link to thisclearlycriticalthinking, I agree. That’s why I want to change the tone of the comment thread and get it back to something more constructive. Thanks for commenting!
Link to thisYes Mammals Suck, interesting how few of my previous commenters were paying attention to those rather important terms and conditions. The most recent comment I deleted on my previous post easily fit into obscene, threatening and abusive, so yay! It’s like comment troll bingo!
Link to thisI’ve also been registered but have not been as good as I should in coming over to help my friends.
You send up the bat signal and I’m here.
Link to thisAhhh, got it. That was probably just me reading into it too much. In any case, thanks for the encouragement to register! I always look forward to your posts.
Link to thisKate, when we want to give a vaxfax bat signal on Twitter, we use a hashtag. Cleverly enough, it is “pathogenposse.” Perhaps a similar one when needed in these circumstances? You should have a contest.
Link to thisRegistered previously, commenting now, Kate. I support what you are suggesting here. As a woman blogger, I hear you. When I posted one week at NPR a science-based piece critical of some aspects of the very popular paleo-diet, a whole tribe of very threatened “paleo” males came after me, including some who made disturbingly personal comments (some in public, some sent privately to my email). I fear most of us endure this, and we do need to share collective support. I’m ready to offer mine.
Link to thisRegistered. – A male ally from India
Link to thisdone.
Link to thisSolidarity, Kate. Thanks for taking a stand.
Link to thisI am just getting started in the science blogging scene, and am new to the ‘blogging while female’ discussion. I am here to do what I can though!
Link to thisIt’s not only hard on the writer, but also on the reader.I have stopped visiting certain blogs because I don’t want to have to filter through all the hate. All bloggers should be filtering comments using policies such as your own.
Good on yer!
Link to thisLong time reader, (very) short time poster here to support. Us anthro gals need to stick together anywho.
Link to thisDr. Clancy, I have registered, which is against my usual policy. However, I feel strongly that your cause is just and is vitally important.
Link to thisOoh, I want to be in the posse! I love posses!
Link to thisbjkingape – thanks so much. Once we figure out our bat signal, any and all women being attacked in gendered ways should be able to use it. So I hope you’ll rally the troops to your NPR work whenever needed as well!
Link to thisCapularis, I agree and this is why I’ve enacted this policy. It’s disheartening for me, but also for readers to have to deal with hateful speech. Thanks so much for registering and commenting.
Link to thisHeh. Melanie, you know you were already in the posse
.
Of course, it’s a pretty inclusive posse. It includes anyone able to abide by the comment policy, so my hope is that it only gets bigger.
Link to thisLong-time, quiet supporter. Thank you for all that you do. I’ve been a part of the #pathogenposse and #friendsofRen, both of which have given me a different perspective re the online community, and how great and strong that community can be. Happy to join you more publicly.
Link to thisJudy Stone
officially not a lurker anymore =)
Link to thisJust registered. Thank you for working so hard and so publicly against sexism, despite the difficulties you’ve faced.
Link to thisHi! I registered a while ago but I never was in the habit of logging into SciAm. I will do so (and comment!) more often. I’ve been pondering recently how one would deal with things like this (negativity) on blogs esp. if and when you blog under your real name, so this post is timely and yes, an important time for the ladybizposse to come out!
Link to thisFinally delurking too. Thanks kristilewton for passing this along and kclancy for doing what you do!
Link to thisRegistered and delurking. Or hopefully delurking — I’m a chronic lurker since (as you know much better than I ever could) speaking up is hard and scary! But I’ll try to do more of it to support you and others who do definitely deserve more support for exactly that reason.
Link to thisRight here. Following Emily Willingham’s lead, unsurprisingly.
Link to thisFirst, I want to thank everyone for registering and commenting. And thanks Kate for rallying the troops to register. As you noticed, “registration” is really a misnomer – it is a simple “login” which just happens to occur on a page different from the blog post itself.
New commenting system is in the works – it takes some time to implement this on a site that is a part of a site that is a part of a site, each using different software, so things need to be all coordinated, etc., but it will get done and you’ll have options to register/login in various ways from totally pseudonymous to using your real name and identifier you may want to use to gather your online impact.
Commenting is a privilege, not a right. The Free Speech clause that Americans cherish does not mean that every online space is a free-speech space for everyone in the world. This is a personal blog – this is Kate’s living room so she gets to decide what kind of tone the discussions here will be. If unhappy – start your own blog.
Well moderated communities have the best discussions. 90% of the people do not comment. They are even less likely to comment if they see that the existing commenters are nasty – why bother mixing it up with such people and getting drowned in the noise? But when the comment thread is cleaned up, and actively and obviously so, more people are willing to contribute intelligent discourse – they see that the blog owner is in charge and will defend them.
SciAm has had commenting for almost a decade now, so there are many people with registrations. Some of them are here specifically to push their agendas, e.g., anti-vaxx or GW denialism, because this is a prominent science site. Until pretty recently we did not have good moderation practices, so these people felt their oats and felt freedom to troll to their hearts’ delight. It is hard work to reverse this quickly, but bloggers are good at that, so a lot of putting people in place happens on blogs, rather than on news articles. Gradually, the commenting community here will become more constructive – and I hope you all help whenever you can.
I like to keep my own commenters a little on the edge – no clear rules of moderation, which means I can be capricious. So the rule is: don’t make me mad. Which means – start out gentle and see how far I’ll let you go. I also have different criteria depending on the topic of the post (allowing more heated stuff on some posts than the others), and depending on the blog (remember I run something like 5-6 blogs on the network myself – I am much more likely to be protective of Guest Blog authors, or the students on SA Incubator, than on my own personal blog here).
Sometimes I invoke the rule of “three strikes and out”. When confronted with this rule, some initially nasty commenters disappear, but others say sorry and continue being good contributors. This seems to work on some people – I have gained, through this approach, some very good commenters (though often disagreeing with me on many issues due to different politics etc) who were uniformly banned as trolls from many other science blogs.
So, different strategies work for different people – some appreciate getting a nice welcome and a gentle reminder of the standards of my blog, while others understand only the language of force. But it is essential for me to always start the process by reminding myself that even the nastiest commenter is a human being, deserving at least some respect and a second chance (which they have a right to blow). And more contentious the comment thread, more important it is for me to be there, reply, show that I am watching, reading and am in control of my own blog space.
Yet even I had to go to Twitter to ask for help on a couple of occasions when I got avalanches of trolls – it works. Your online friends will come if you call them.
When it comes to coming to help other bloggers on the network, I am a little hesitant. It is like having a party and then some neighbors call in the cops because it’s noisy. After the cops arrive, the party is essentially over. As the Editor here, I feel I can be perceived as that cop, and I don’t want to stop the discussion and make everyone too nervous to continue commenting. But I have done this on occasion – either when it was obvious that the cop was needed, or in case of some very new/young bloggers, being unsure how to deal with trolls. Most of the SciAm bloggers are quite experienced and savvy, but not all are and I need to take special care of the people who may not be able to defend themselves as well. But call me if you need me, any time.
Link to thisRegistered!
I love the Bat Signal Idea – maybe a silhouette of a troll clubbing the female symbol? (someone else go with it – I’m ideas, not design)
Link to thisKate
I went to this session at Science Online 2012 largely in honor of a friend – a female science blogger – who recently passed away – and who before that had told me of some of her travails relating to blogging while female. But I was not aware of the depth of the depravity out there until the session. It truly saddened me – and I am still reeling about this. I do not think there is any one specific solution to the problems discussed here and in the session — but what we can all do is offer our support to whomever is attacked, help them respond, and do our best to eliminate the trolls. I have now registered here and I willingly, openly and enthusiastically join up for your posse, and for the posse of anyone else in need of help.
Link to thisKate, thanks for organizing the session at scio12 and writing this post. It really opened my eyes to the incredible hardships women bloggers have to go through. Needless to say, I’d be honoured to be part of this amazing posse that you’ve gathered.
Link to thisI’ve just registered. I’ve just set up a blog of my own (http://sharmanedit.wordpress.com, about publishing in scientific journals), so it is partly for selfish motives that I join the posse. I have never experienced the kind of sexist abuse online that you describe here and find it hard to believe that I ever will, but if I do I now know where to come for help. And if you choose a hashtag for calling in the posse, I’ll try to heed the call (I don’t generally read Sci Am blogs unless alerted via twitter). Thanks for this post!
Link to thisI didn’t reply to the idiot comments because I thought it gave them more attention than they deserved. And I hate talking to idiots
But I can see that it has meant I don’t comment at all end the end.
Link to thisSnap to previous comments. Finally (!) registered and also got your back. Time is an issue as always, I should comment more on many of the excellent blogs/stories/features that people like yourself work so hard on.
Link to thisGirl Power!!
Link to thisAlso delurking.
Link to thisKate and Bora, you guys are awesome.
Link to thisSouthern Fried Science reporting for active duty.
Link to thisI’m here too.
You might want to check out the Boing Boing commenting policy: http://boingboing.net/2009/10/01/commenting.html
They have an interesting policy of disemvoweling inappropriate comments. It simultaneously calls them out as inappropriate while obscuring them and making them easy to ignore but not impossible to decipher.
Link to this“I have left almost all attack comments up rather than delete them
because I worried that getting rid of them would open me up to more
attacks …”
This is like leaving up graffiti on the belief that cleaning it off
Link to thisthe walls will encourage more of it. The opposite happens. People see
viciousness, they figure they can get away with a little of it
themselves, and they join in.
Eleanor100, you shouldn’t have to respond, it’s not your job! I wanted my posse back because yes, it’s nice to not be the only one dealing with trolls, but mainly because I wanted to have more of a conversation in the comment thread. I was tired of meaningless fights where the trolls are entrenched on their side and never provide rationale or evidence for their positions. So, I just won’t tolerate belligerence or disagreement for the sake of disagreement any more. That way you never have to
.
Link to thisjdupuis, I do love that policy. I considered mimicking it but ended up going with something a little different. I think Boing Boing has a bit more levity and so the disemvoweling works really well for their community. But yes, I do like that policy a lot.
Krystal D’Costa just came up with her own comment policy at Anthropology in Practice that uses Dr. Seuss: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/anthropology-in-practice/2012/01/24/aip-stands-with-context-and-variation/
Link to thisDe-cloaked & present. Forge ahead.
Link to thisOK, I’ve registered and followed you on Twitter so I’ll get the batsignal. I’m in.
Link to thisHi Kate:
Link to thisCount me in. I will always stand up for women’s rights. ALWAYS. Thanks for being such an outstanding voice in this movement.
-Jeanne
I often rail against blatant and latent sexism in private, but I don’t make it into a public battle. I am grateful for those who do. I am proud to stand behind you.
Link to thisAdding my name to the list and officially lending firm but polite support. It’s great that you’ve taken the stand.
Link to thisFemale. Delurking. Don’t know why I never registered before, come to think of it — it’s brighter in the light!
Link to thisI must start by saying~I am not the usual participant in the blog world. This is a first for me. I love science and the power of evidence based practice and medicine. Kate, find strength in TROLLS let them motivate you to continue your efforts to inform and discuss with your blog. Don’t let the ignorant and those who judge with selfish views diminish your passion. You will always have the BLOWHARDS in a community of debate. Let them drive you to be a force of knowledge to empower others. Stand TALL and be proud of your efforts to have a voice and place value on your courage to put it in writing.
Link to thisJust sayin~
Thanks for posting this Kate… great turn out in response. Good to see this kind of support.
Link to thisKate, I am one of those that has been irritated by the need to register and jump through hoops to comment over here. But you convinced me. I’m here to help–please consider me one of the blockers on the internet-derby team.
What is the twitter # bat-call? I wanna get a search saved so that I don’t miss anything.
Link to thisHere I am. Your posse is not silent any more.
Link to this.5 of Neuroanthropology here, too, reporting for duty with Y chromosome!
Seriously, Kate, don’t be afraid to delete comments. I do it frequently. I don’t like people being rude (especially to guest post writers or colleagues — I’m pretty thick skinned), and I see no reason to provide a platform for rank idiocy. I don’t even acknowledge that I’ve deleted comments. Repeat offenders should know that their effort to deface our sites are all a waste of their finite lifespans with zero effect.
You provide us all a service by writing and sharing your thoughts in a balanced and thoughtful way — don’t let anyone dump on you for doing it. On sites where commenters are allowed to get into slagging matches with each other and the writers and moderators, it can be a waste of our time and energy. As an early career academic, Kate, especially a talented write, please don’t waste your time or energy with it.
That said, I’d be devastated (devó as we say here in Oz) if you stopped — please keep up with the great Context and Variation. Letting graffiti stay on buildings doesn’t convince other vandals that vandalizing is a bad idea; leaving up awful, personal, vitriolic comments doesn’t persuade people who like that sort of thing that it’s a bad idea.
To the horses — there’s trolls in the forest!
Link to thisDelurked and registered. Swamping the trolls is a good idea. My version of this was to crowd-source the screening of abusive comments:
http://rabett.blogspot.com/2011/11/crowd-sourced-screening-of.html
But a posse might be much easier to pull off.
Link to thisHeck of a posse. Glad to be a member. But I suck mightiy at all forms of skating.
Link to this…and apparently I need an ‘edit’ button to avoid misspelling mightily..
Link to thisI’m late. And I can’t rollerskate. But I’m willing to learn. I’m in.
Link to thisCount me in too! Enough is enough.
Link to thisIn!!!
Link to thisYou’re the best, Kate. I really appreciate all of your advice and your willingness to chat this past weekend.
in honor of my daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters, count me in.
Link to thisI’d already registered but this is my first official comment. I’m in, absolutely.
Link to thisI’m registered now, so count me in.
Link to thisI have now registered and am joining the posse!
Link to thisOdyssey, roller skating is not a requirement (if it helps, I didn’t know how to skate when I started playing derby).
Matthartings, I can’t imagine anything I said was the least bit useful, but thank you. You are very kind
.
grandma, you seem like a pretty darn cool person.
To everyone: thank you a million times over. I am overwhelmed and embarrassed. But I am so glad to have my people back. I hope we continue the conversation here and in future posts.
Link to thisAlways happy to be a part of your posse. Always.
Link to thisBeen registered for a bit. ^_^
Also, no more taking crap from trolls (with or without posse). Don’t feel like you have to leave the hurtful comments up even when it seems like no one is on your side. Active debate is one thing. Being a jerkface is something different.
<3, MRSA
Link to thisAmazing what people write!
Link to thiswriting again for a few reasons:
Link to this* to thank Bora for articulating his comment policy
* to say how amazed I feel at all the support offered here
* to say I vow to write and support more at lots of blogs, when I can
* to say “count me in” for the bat signal / hashtag.
Sometimes Kate, on posts like yours and frequently on Stephanie Zvan’s, I agree and don’t feel like I can articulate anything supportive or helpful. So I’m too quiet. I spoke briefly with Stephanie about it, and I should speak up, if for no other reason than you know another commenter is here.
Got yer back.
Link to thisDone. ~
Link to thisI’m in.
Link to thisI’ve registered and I’m happy to join your posse. Though I really don’t understand what motivates trolls.
Link to thisThanks for the great work.
Link to thisI’m here too. De-lurking. Keep it up!
Link to thisYou made a lot of great points and the link regarding Elevatorgate was a great read as well. People that haven’t experienced discrimination seem to have a difficult time understanding that it even exists and the destructive effect it has. Or maybe they don’t want to admit that they themselves harbor prejudices; and we all know it’s easier to sweep that fact under the rug than take the effort to make the change. Or maybe it is all down to just an attempt to retain a sense of power over others. Whatever the cause, count me in and good luck as, in my experience, this is going to be a long fight.
Link to thisThis is so awesome on so many levels. Can we have t-shirts made?
I’m Jacquelyn Gill, by the way – this is an old account, though I’m tempted to make a second one with my real name. I figure there aren’t that many paleoecologists in the posse, though, right? Right?
Link to thisbetter late than never. count me in for t-shirts.
Link to thisRegistered~
Link to thisThat lovely takedown of John Tierney got me to register. The possibility of being able to back you up – well, that’sjust gravy. Go grrrrl!
Link to thisBetter late than never. Newly registered posse joiner.
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