zlacker

This seems like a classic problem of trust, more than a discussion about gender. I can't imagine investing in a company I didn't trust enough to be candid with, but I guess that's happening, the money in it is probably good.

It's worth saying that people who have no capability to betray you in a certain way are easier to do business with. It limits downside. I'd prefer to have a reputation for defending my friends, but not being credible for a certain attack is an interesting advantage. Perhaps vulgar and obnoxious people will be easier to work with too. I will look for a way to get mobbed that doesn't violate my moral code, might as well break the seal on that so I never make anyone nervous.

>>hawkic+(OP)
It's fundamentally a problem of incentives. If the perceived downside to giving feedback to a particular person outweighs the upside, then some selfless (or stupid) people might still decide to give that feedback, but most won't.