Ubuntu-Women Goals (was: [UbuntuWomen] (No, you're not... :))

[Clytie Siddall]

Sorry this is a late answer, but I'm only just catching up with my  
email now.

On 02/07/2006, at 5:11 PM, Jeannie originally wrote:

>>> Hmmm, how can I make myself more clear.
>>> What attracted ME to a womens users group is the HOPE that I  
>>> would be
>>> able to get clear and understandable answers to my technical  
>>> questions.

I don't think we should rule out offering occasional technical help  
here. We should definitely encourage people to use the known channels  
for help, emphasizing those we know to be polite and helpful, but the  
occasional question answered won't create isolation.

Whether we personally have experienced it or not, there is plenty of  
hostility, ignorance and sheer unpleasant behaviour out there, and  
women are often targetted by it. It ranges from rudeness and sexist  
remarks to death threats. I have personally experienced both ends of  
the range and plenty in between, in my thirty years in computing.

Users, especially those dealing with difficulties, need acceptance  
and support.

"Yes, that's an awkward problem, you might try X, or Y under Z  
situation. Have a look at A site, and you'd probably get more help on  
the Ubuntu list B, or the forum C. But you're welcome to ask here."

in my opinion is more useful than

"We're not here for that. You should go there."

The Linuxchix lists, which range from technical to chat, feature both  
very experienced and new users, and show that having a place you can  
discuss things with other women is useful and valued.

They too, encourage people to branch out into the community. I  
certainly haven't seen their technical or other lists doing anything  
but stimulate general participation. They build confidence.

from Clytie (vi-VN, Vietnamese free-software translation team / nhóm  
Việt hóa phần mềm tự do)
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/vi-VN