zlacker

I'm a guy, and it becomes very clear just how aggressive and debate-based male-majority communities are after spending some time in communities with a large percentage of women. There's seemingly no joy or "chill" at all — just a constant clash of ideas and ideologies. Not to mention the relentless sarcasm, snark, and snippiness, if not outright mockery. It's very rare to see someone say they're sorry or to change their mind. Honestly, it's fatiguing.

Which is not to say that many women wouldn't enjoy that kind of high-octane environment! Hey, different strokes etc. All I know is that for me personally — someone who goes online to have fun, not to be right — it's a lot more pleasant to hang out in mixed-gender communities than in male-dominated ones.

(Then again, here I am on HN, slingin' ideas again, sooo...)

(Also, I have to apologize for responding to a question directed towards women in the most stereotypical "as a dude" kind of way. To be honest, I should have probably held off...)

>>archag+(OP)
>There's seemingly no joy or "chill" at all — just a constant clash of ideas and ideologies.

Conflict is ultimately what drives all innovation.

(note: I don't mean physical conflict.)

>>xor1+7y
Sure — competition is good for innovation on the corporate or industrial level. But as far as individuals are concerned, I've seen far more interesting and innovative content come from supportive and friendly communities than from tech forums full of shouty dudes.

>>archag+oz
To not challenge one another- that means that there is no science, no progress- just a lot of wrong ideas existing beside some partially right ones ad infinitum. Why could this be something one wants? That sounds like a recipe for stagnation and isolation, maybee with cushions and ribbons.