An excellent, thoughtful first-person response to the Kathy Sierra affair and the online bashing of women writers, well worth the read. The author dissects her own personal reactions to online mysogyny, as well as the reactions of others. Her commentary is both heartfelt and lucid, and she discusses intelligently possible remedies to this deplorable trend. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is not just limited to the web, as suggested by the bashing of the Dixie Chicks in Bible Belt states. It seems to stem from a deep psychological inbalance in some men -- and "their self-loathing expressed as hatred of women", as Walsh thoughtfully points out. Much remains to be done to curb this unacceptable behavior, and in some cases, treat it ... More »

This is a well written and detailed analysis of an important issue.

Though she doesn't state it, the "men" she speaks about are the typical crybaby white American male who feels powerless, threatened by what he isn't (impossibly powerful) and, instead of self-examination, strikes out at woman, gays, assorted ethnic types and anyone whom they think are having more fun and may be happy. It is sad, but at some point writers who are incapable of articulately enjoining the facts of a story instead of making ad hominem attacks should in my view be shut out of comments or relegated to a separate area for lunatic comments or wannabe Rush Limbaughs.

A brilliant piece identifying misosgyny on the web and and exploring its crippling effects. It was deeply interesting to read about the author's personal experience with misogyny and her personal reflection and growth with respect to Kathy Sierra's situation. It was sadly ironic to read comments in Salon's broadsheet section, in response to the Joan Walsh article, that were disturbingly misogynistic. I understand Salon will be looking at ways to govern conversations better. Otherwise people who want to have thoughtful dialogue will just move to private spaces and that would be a loss to our shared public culture.

This story dwells on dirt. The basic story is very simple. A presently significant percentage of men (my gender) are ignorant, insecure and adrift in a world they did not make. Such men are inclined to violent responses - most verbal, some physical. And they tend to pray on women. Or children, or helpless POWs. If anyone sticks his or her hand into one of these troglodytes' cave, she'd best be prepared for their reactions. Speaking of reactions, the more pro-active one is, the more reactive these fellows are. They're afraid of power, especially powerful females. Best to ignore them - and carry mace. That's what I do, and I'm 6'3" and 230 lbs. (They tend to be small of stature as well as small minded, and they like to take down big guys.)

This is a good topic - women and men are judged by different criteria. Let's please not forget that women are also viscious towards other women, lots of times. The writer is falling back into typical He-Bad/ She-Good thinking. That is the type of thinking that gave "feminists" a bad name. Some people are viscious and vindictive. Behind every stupid viscious man are experiences with stupid and viscous females, I would bet. It's a question of our humanity, and the acceptable uses of language, and anger-triggers and anger-management. Overplaying the genders is a mistake, in my opinion. Alot of females don't need or crave the spotlight. When a female opens her opinions and research up to a public not known for gentility, sweetness, ... More »

I know this is an old story, but I had to chime in. I've been online for 12 years, and have never experienced any sort of "misogyny". It is very easy to point fingers and place blame, because it's fashionable today to blame men for everything. IMHO, this is simply nonsense.

In-depth discussion of Internet misogyny and what to do about it.