>This industry does not have a good track record of treatment towards women.
>
>This industry has been very good to me. Although, back in the 1980's, I must admit that I had to be twice as good as any man to get half the credit. Today? Not so much...

This is an area where we'll probably have to agree to disagree.

Because I've been a travelling independent, I've been able to see a number of environments and have witnessed all sorts of sexism - some blatant and some subtle. I've been on interview teams, even as a contractor, where I heard some of the most incredible rationalizations not to hire women.

Attendance at community sessions and conferences continues to be incredibly one-sided....over 95% male in many situations. Yes, I realize that conference attendance isn't the only indicator, but the fact that it hasn't improved (and from my view, has gotten worse) isn't a good sign.

To use your expression, "Call Ripley", because this is one topic where Tamar and I agree - there are too many instances of stupid male behavior. Everyone probably knows I'm not a "feminist", but I think they have a valid point about our industry.

There are strong reasons I feel this way, and they involve some unfortunate and harsh truths about some work environments that I'm not willing to post on a public forum.

2 years ago at a SQL Saturday I was asked to sit on a 2 man, 3 women panel discussion about women breaking into technology. The other male was a complete horse's rear end who made some of the most ridiculous statements I've ever heard ("men are more successful in I.T. because of biology, etc"). So I thought I'd be the one coming off as the "voice of reason"....except that attendees (mostly male and either my age or older) asked me some questions that got me to realize there are certain consequences I (as a male) don't have to worry about.